NFV: Accelerating Access to Intelligent Networks

Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) is removing the limits on which mobile network operators (MNOs) and service providers can deploy intelligent networks. No matter what markets they operate in, service providers of all kinds can use NFV to deliver some of the most innovative communications services in the world.

NFV accelerates access to new technologies that enable service providers to leap frog from basic TDM networks to intelligent IP infrastructure. It breaks down barriers to deploying networks that incorporate Big Data, machine learning and historical data analysis.

Cost has been seen as a primary challenge as well as the complexities of deployment and the expertise required to make the move to IP. NFV is changing that. With a next-generation virtualized session border controller (SBC), service providers of all kinds in any market can deploy intelligent networks and use them to monetize new services.

Without the need for hardware, costs can be reduced with the scalability to grow services based on intelligent networks like WebRTC, Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), and Voice over LTE (VoLTE). As these services grow and are monetized, the service provider can eventually scale up to a hardware-based solution if needed.

With the right next-gen SBC, service providers can gain the same capabilities with a virtualized SBC that they would have in hardware-based solution. This is key to getting started in intelligent networking and growing subscribers even when the initial subscriber base is low. A virtualized SBC can support new revenue growth from new services.

At the same time, a virtualized SBC a can make the journey from a TDM to IP-based infrastructure simple and efficient while reducing the need for a complex roadmap to IP. With simple graphic user interfaces (GUI) and dashboards, even the smallest operators can deploy and manage intelligent networks.

We see tremendous potential for virtualized SBCs in challenging markets around the world. We have already had success in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Liberia and Nigeria with our Orchid One next-gen SBC. We believe that the virtualized version of Orchid One, vOrchid One, can create even greater opportunities for service providers in developing markets.

Using vOrchid One, service providers in some of the most challenging markets can deploy WebRTC, VoWiFi, and VoLTE. That means they can offer cutting-edge solutions that are equal to or better than what is available in developed markets. Service providers can use a virtual SBC as the foundation for delivering these services and ensure that they are part of the evolution of mobile taking place in other markets.

NFV really has the potential to redistribute innovation and drive new growth in intelligent networks and IP adoption. If you are interested in learning more about vOrchid One and how we are using virtualisation to support intelligent networks around the world, please get in touch with us.