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Fujitsu Contributes to Construction of Network for NTT DOCOMO Using Virtualization Technologies
Contributing to reliable connections in congested network environments
Fujitsu Limited
Fujitsu today announced that it has supported the development of NTT DOCOMO, INC.'s mobile core network system which employs virtualization technology. DOCOMO launched the network commercially on March 9, 2016.
Specifically, Fujitsu used an SDN solution to build a network in a virtual environment, and integrated VNFM software(1), which manages the lifecycle of EPC(2), a software that carries out data transmission and reception, user authentication, billing, and other functions.
With its experience and expertise cultivated in building wide area networks, Fujitsu will continue to contribute to DOCOMO's new virtualized environment going forward, through initiatives that include enhancing communications reliability and the quick provisioning of new services, while also contributing to the development of a next-generation network.
Background
In the past, adding servers or network devices to wide area networks, as well as modifying applications, or providing new services had been a complicated task to change network settings and configuration, and required large-scale work.
Recently, network virtualization is attracting attention for enabling highly flexible scalability, high reliability, and investment optimization through the application of virtualization technologies to wide area networks and the virtualization of computer and network resources. By applying virtualization technologies, DOCOMO is launching new services, strengthening the continuity of communication services, and improving the reliability of connections in congested network environments caused by disasters, in pursuit of higher quality communications.
Mobile Core Network System Construction Support
Virtualized network system
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1. Building a carrier-grade virtual network environment
Using its many years of experience and expertise in integrating large-scale networks, Fujitsu is contributing to the building of a virtualized network that connects to an orchestrator(3) and fulfills the strict quality requirements of a carrier network.
Using Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI)(4), Cisco Systems G.K.'s next generation SDN solution, this system enabled the fast and easy construction of a virtual network on top of a physical network, by automatically setting complex structural definitions for large volumes of network devices.
2. Providing VNFM software for the virtualization platform
Fujitsu used Nokia's VNFM software to manage the EPC software and integrated the VNFM software into the multi-vendor-environment based virtualized platform. Fujitsu will work toward further contributions to building DOCOMO's network using virtualization technology, through the deployment of EPC software, which has the flexibility and scalability to respond to processing performance and load conditions.
Future Developments
Fujitsu is working to create global services, relevant both in and outside of Japan, by introducing to enterprise and datacenter networks the high-quality, carrier-grade virtual networks it has developed through its support of DOCOMO, and by enhancing network flexibility.
Comment by Mr. Seizo Onoe, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, DOCOMO:
"I'm delighted that we have developed and deployed NFV with FUJITSU and other leading vendors in the NFV domain. To maximize benefit of NFV, DOCOMO expects to virtualize many other key components of its mobile network, aiming to eventually establish a fully virtualized network. I'm convinced that our multi-vendor NFV is the first step toward our goal."
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[1] VNFM software
Virtual network function management (VNFM) software provides lifecycle functions such as creating, launching, stopping, increasing and decreasing EPC software.
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[2] EPC (Evolved Packet Core)
Mobile core network architecture providing all-IP packetization that supports a variety of wireless access beginning with LTE, which provides functions such as user recognition, movement control, billing and QoS control.
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[3] Orchestrator
A virtualization management system that integrates settings for virtual servers and EPC software in a virtualized environment.
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[4] ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure)
A fabric network architecture made up of the Cisco Nexus 9000 series datacenter switches and Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) software.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 159,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.8 trillion yen (US$40 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.
All company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.
Date: 25 March, 2016
City: Tokyo
Company:
Fujitsu Limited
