Te Core Networks Product Book

8/13/2019 Te Core Networks Product Book

1/16

Multi-Technology Mobile Networks for

Emerging Operators and Rapid Deployments

Multi-Technology Mobile Networks for

Emerging Operators and Rapid Deployments


2/16


3/16

About Tecore 4

Core Products 6

Access Products 8

Professional Services 10

SolutionsEmergency and Tactical Communications 11

Rural and Remote Communications 12

New License Networks 13

Mobile Virtual Network Operators / Enablers 14

Specialized Mobile Networks 15

Products at a Glance 16

Contents

Tecore systems have been deployed worldwide.Tecore systems have been deployed worldwide.


4/16

Core Products

Taken together, these developments

signal both a continuing increase in the

adoption of mobile communications,

as well as a need to adapt underlying

technologies to emerging applications.

Technology Vision

Tecores technology vision is based on

two fundamental and revolutionary

trends in communications. First, IP has

proven to be the most robust and flexible

platform for building and managing

scalable networks, dynamically providing

new types and levels of services. Second,

wireless communication is the mediumof choice worldwide for users demanding

anytime-anywhere services and operators

striving to further telecommunications

access into regions not covered today.

Our IP-based core and access products

have allowed an unprecedented level of

functionality, including:

supporting multiple technologies

including GSM, CDMA, 2.5/3G data

and VoIP in a single network;

integrating multiple network

components and value-added

features in a single chassis; and

delivering innovative new services

such as Over-the-Air Prepaid Roaming

an award-winning offering enabling

operators to capture roaming revenue

directly from network visitors without

the need for a roaming agreement.

The industry has recognized the value

of an IP architecture for next-generationmobile services, now known as IP

Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Tecore has

incorporated IMS into its portfolio as well,

thus allowing a powerful bridge between

current and future services.

Introduction

Tecore Networks is a leading provider

of multi-technology mobile networksfor emerging operators and rapid

deployments. Built with the same

standards-based voice and data

technologies available to global carriers

on an IP-based architecture, we have

dramatically improved functionality

while minimizing space requirements,

installation time and cost of ownership.

We also offer integrated value-added

features to enable our customers to

increase ARPU and retention. Our

solutions include core as well as radioaccess network infrastructure, supported

by state-of-the-art professional services.

Trends in Worldwide Communications

The worldwide number of mobile

subscribers will cross the 3 billion

mark in 2007-2008, closing in on the

number of wireline subscribers.

For GSM alone, while it took 12

years to establish the first billion

subscribers, it took less than aquarter of that time to add the next

billion.

In the U.S.A., the number of mobile

phone-only households surpasses

the number of wireline-only

households, indicating that we have

entered an era when wireless is more

than just an adjunct to wire line

communications.

Rural environments are increasingly

turning to wireless solutions asa cost-effective alternative for

communications.

Outside of social communication,

the next biggest driver for wireless

communications is safety and

security.

About Tecore


5/16

Access Products

The Tecore Value Proposition

Multi-technology approach in the core

and access segments of the networkCompact, integrated design

to minimize space and power

requirements, installation time and

total cost of ownership

Value-added features to increase

ARPU and retention

Bridge between traditional

technologies and evolving IP-based

architecture

Compatibility with existing subscriber

devices

Tecores highly flexible IP-based

architecture is portable to evolving best-

of-breed hardware platforms.

The Tecore Advantage

Technology that is applicable to 2.6

billion mobile subscribers, or 93% oftotal subscribers worldwide

Patented, IP-based platforms

enabling convergence of multiple

protocols

Three-time winner of the Global

Mobile (3GSM) Award

ISO 9001:2000 certified

All R&D and manufacturing in the

U.S.A.


6/16

Core Products

The Network Center essentially

concentrates the equivalent of

multiple core network componentsand value-added features in a compact

form factor, providing a powerful

service and revenue-generating

platform for smaller operators. Figure

1 highlights the benefits of the Tecore

approach.

Benefits

Dramatically reduced space and

power requirements, installation

time, operational complexity andcost of ownership

Increased functionality and

revenue opportunities through

software-driven feature set

Product line evolution enables

operators to future-proof networks

through incremental upgrades

iCore Network Center

The iCore Network Center is a

software-defined core platform that

bridges networks from legacy TDM

through next-generation IMS, thus

implementing an unprecedented

any-to-any connectivity model to

support GSM, CDMA, GPRS/EDGE,

1xRTT, EV-DO, Wi-Fi and ultimately

4G technologies from a common

baseline.

The key attributes of the Network

Center are:Patented processing of multiple

protocols including GSM, CDMA,

2.5/3G data and VoIP on a single

platform

Integration of multiple network

elements and value-added

features in a single chassis

IP-based, software-driven

architecture built on a carrier-

grade Linux platform, eliminating

limitations of proprietaryhardware

Built to be profitable for as few as

100 subscribers, and scalable to a

million subscribers

Core Products

Figure 1


7/16

Access Products

Tecores technology vision, proven in significant deployments around the globe,

shares many principles and components with the IP Multimedia Subsystem

(IMS) standards it precedes. Thus, compliance with IMS is evolutionary and not

revolutionary, requiring incremental development on a time-tested foundation,

and adapting existing components while maintaining legacy functionality to

ensure support for the large installed base of subscribers on 2G-3G protocols.

Figure 2 illustrates this evolution path.

Value-added and regulatory features

Integrated SMSC/MMSC. The iCore SMSC/MMSC is a complete messaging

solution integrated with the Network Center. The solution natively supports

multiple messaging technologies and interworks with third party gateways

through standard IP-based interfaces allowing connectivity and text message

interoperability and access with networks around the world.

Prepaid services. Supported as an integrated software package on the

iCore platform or as a standalone iCore SCF Server, Tecores prepaid solution

implements a comprehensive set of features and services supporting the

prepaid requirements of the network.

USSD Callback. Provide an inexpensive calling option through the use of

USSD strings, enabling a subscriber to use the home network for calls when

roaming, or to take advantage of free incoming calls.

Regulatory features. Fulfill regulatory obligations as a carrier by supportinglawful intercept, emergency calling, number portability and other

requirements.

Local and peer-to-peer IP switching. On-net or peer-to-peer

communications can be routed via IP to avoid unnecessary utilization of

costly backhaul for calls that stay local.

2.5/3G data capabilities. In conjunction with radio access network

elements, the Network Center can be equipped to handle high-speed data

and multimedia services.

Over-the-Air Prepaid

Roaming

2007

3GSM

AwardWinner

Recognized as the Best

Roaming Product or Service

at the 2007 3GSM Congress,

Over-the-Air (OTA) Prepaid

Roaming is a patent-pending

offering that facilitates prepai

access to subscribers homed

in networks that do not have

roaming agreements in place

with the serving operator.The system automatically

activates prepaid accounts

and services for qualifying

subscribers, provides the user

with a new local phone numb

and notifies them of service

activation via text messaging.

It is an effective solution for

those new operators still in th

process of developing roamin

agreements. By enabling

roaming in cases where such

a service would not otherwise

be available, the OTA Prepaid

Roaming feature improves the

mobile subscriber experience

while simultaneously providin

the network operator with an

incremental stream of revenu

Figure 2: The Network

Centers evolution maps

existing elements to their

IMS counterparts, whilepreserving support for

legacy network platforms.

In this way, Tecore

offers a unique value

proposition of interworking

between existing mobile

technologies and IMS-

oriented architectures.


8/16

iCore Radio Access Networks

iCore Radio Access products share keyprinciples with the Network Center:

offer IP as well as TDM routing

to enable cost-effective traffic

management

support multiple protocols including

GSM, CDMA, 2.5/3G data and VoIP

support omni and multiple sectored

configurations

concentrate multiple network

elements base transceiver station,

base station controller, and packet

controller into a single chassis

Systems can be built to suit diverse license specifications from the following

product lines.

Access Products

Multi-protocol mobile networks serve

residents and roaming traffic in remote

Alaskan areas.

GSM / GPRS / EDGE

Key Attributes:

Frequency bands: 700, 850, 900,

1800 and 1900 MHz

Macro version includes high powerconfiguration for outdoor networks

Micro version includes low power

configuration for in-building

applications

Pico version ideal for ultra-compact,

rapidly deployable or ad hoc

communication systems

Software-upgradable to support

extended range of up to 75 miles or

120 km, or quadruple standard GSM

BTS range

CDMA / 1xRTT / EV-DO

Key Attributes:

Frequency bands: 450, 700, 800, 1700

1800, 1900 and 2100 MHz

Macro version includes high powerconfiguration for outdoor networks

Micro version includes low power

configuration for in-building

applications

Pico version ideal for ultra-compact,

rapidly deployable or ad hoc

communication systems

The complete iCore product portfolio includes standard interfaces to enable

interconnectivity with a wide range of alternative technologies and vendors.

Beyond CDMA and GSM from Tecore or other vendors the iCore Network Center

can support industry-standard 3G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE and other next-generation

access technologies. The iCore Radio Access products can also interconnect with

third-party core platforms based on industry standards.


9/16

Local and Peer-to-Peer IP Switching

Tecore is first to market with local

and peer-to-peer IP switching

across its entire portfolio of GSM,

CDMA and multi-technology radio

access network and core products.

This feature is a critical component

for rural, remote, new-license

and emergency communications

operators, who need to minimize

total cost of network ownership

and optimize the use of backhaul

bandwidth. Traditionally, rural

and remote cellular operatorsutilize leased lines for backhaul

and connectivity to the PSTN.

Where a leased line is not feasible,

the alternative is an even higher

priced satellite connection. Any

call on the network transits this

infrastructure. Thus, calls originating

and terminating on the network

(on-net) result in unnecessary

backhaul expense and latency. All

of Tecores base stations provide

the option for optimal connectionof IP bearer traffic. On-net calls can

be routed directly via IP, avoiding

the use of the backhaul network,

generating savings for the operator

and performance improvements for

subscribers. Operators can choose to

offer reduced rates for on-net calls,

providing an incentive for subscribers

to refer others to join, and further

increasing revenue and customer

loyalty while reducing costs.

Extended-Range GSM Radio Access

This feature achieves a cell radius of up

to 75 miles or 120 km, quadruple thestandard range of a GSM base station.

It overcomes a limitation on cell radius

imposed by the GSM radio channel

structure. The dramatically increased

range is particularly beneficial to

operators in remote or rural locations,

who now can install less equipment

without sacrificing performance.

Operators can position an all-IP BTS

anywhere in the world to quickly

provide transcoder-free mobile-to-mobile service, making it an ideal

solution for remote, telemetry, rapid

response and tactical solutions.

One of the first customers deploying

this solution is extending GSM

coverage into some of the most

lucrative but dangerous offshorefishing areas in the world. The

feature provides critical cellular

communications to vessels traveling

far beyond typical GSM cell range.


10/16

Integration Services

Provide access to Tecores Integration

Lab

Address third-party product

integration and interfacing

requirements

Customize features such as

announcement recording, airtime

billing, special trunk signaling and

configurations

Deployment Services

Support equipment deployment

logistics

Verify that connections are in place

Install and configure Tecore-provided

components

Assist in loading client applications

and data

Conduct post-installation follow-up

Training & Documentation

Provide training at Tecore facility or oncustomer site

Deliver manuals (user reference/

provisioning; troubleshooting and

alarm; installation and turn-up)

Service application notes/brochures

Customer Care

24 hours x 365 days remote support,

accessible via phone or e-mail

Standard factory repair service/

replacement

Proactive performance monitoring at

state-of-the-art Customer Response

Center (CRC)

Professional Services

Tecore Networks complements its broad

networking product portfolio withstate-of-the-art professional services,

delivering true end-to-end solutions.

Our professional services team can

provide knowledgeable, experienced

personnel dedicated to a successful

implementation.

Program Management

Coordinate project planning and

execution

Provide budgets and progress

reports

Perform site survey and equipment

engineering services

Support the equipment

procurement process

Network Engineering

Assess requirements based on traffic

models, coverage areas, regional

regulations and other factors

Develop network architecture,

topology and design for radio access

and core segments

Professional Services


11/16

In the new millennium, significant

natural disasters and security threats

have spurred governments worldwide

to focus on ensuring swift response and

recovery. The resilience and robustness

of communications networks have

attracted particular attention, both as

critical enablers for responders as wellas infrastructure to keep communities

together.

Specifically

addressing

these

challenges,

the iCore

Rapid

Response

System is a

complete,multi-

technology

voice and data-capable mobile network

contained in one or two ruggedized

transit cases. It can be installed and

operational in under an hour, and

is compatible with the majority of

existing mobile devices in use today,

avoiding the need for adoption of yet

another device, as well as ensuring

interoperability among federal, state

and local, and other emergency

communications networks. Critical

personnel within the targeted coverage

area are supported by both localized voice

and data services, allowing for immediate

coverage in emergency situations. The

system can also be configured to allow

communications for the public in the

event commercial networks go down, or

for select groups as determined by the

network operator.

The Rapid Response System can be

configured for GSM, GPRS/EDGE, CDMA,

1xRTT, EV-DO or a combination ofthese technologies, and is completely

integrated with the radio access network

subsystems and ancillary components.

It can interface with PSTN, VoIP, satellite

communications and trunk/land mobile

radio systems to enable wide-ranging

connectivity; and can be enhanced

with secure calling, call prioritization

and push-to-talk. The Rapid Response

System can be deployed as a standalone

single site network, chained together tocover wide areas, interconnected to the

existing PSTN, or used as an extension

to existing network

infrastructure. The

systems are easily

scalable from as

few as a hundred

to thousands of

subscribers.

SolutionsEmergency and Tactical Communications

Features and Benefits

The only multi-technolog

switching solution for firs

responders

Allows first responders

to use either their

personal cell phones orreconfigured phones, or

pre-commissioned phon

Compact solution as sma

as a transportable suitcas

Extremely fast deployme

Easily connects to existin

GSM, CDMA, VoIP, PSTN,

satellite and trunk/LMR

infrastructure

Supports high-speed

wireless data: GSM GPRS/EDGE; 1xRTT; 1xEV-DO

Can be enhanced with

secure calling, call

prioritization and push-to

talk

Vehicle mount and tactic

transport options availab

Choice of local or remote

management and

administration

Complete Rapid Response System

including core and radio access network

elements is compatible with existing

subscriber devices and can restore lost

communications in under an hour. A single-

technology system fits in one case; a multi-

technology version fits in two.


12/16

integrated value-added features to

generate incremental revenue, such

as Over-The-Air Prepaid Roaming to

provide services directly to network

visitors without roaming agreements

regulatory compliance features: lawfu

intercept, emergency calling and

number portability

high degree of flexibility and control

for the operator, such as: complete

or limited mobility support to allow

the operator to deploy either regional

or localized mobility commensurate

with the business model and license

specifications; and zone billing

capability for tailored service and

rating structures

Tecores innovative product portfolio goes

further to help rural and remote operators

address build out and cost challenges

unique to their environments:

network interfaces including TDM

and IP provide a wide choice of

connectivity and backhaul options

including satelliteextended-range base stations reduce

the amount of infrastructure required,

better matching the population

density being served

As advanced communications proliferate

worldwide, and public demand to

eliminate any technology divide grows,

rural and remote operators are driven

to offer state-of-the-art services to their

communities. Yet these providers face

the challenge of significantly lower

population density in their license

areas compared to their metropolitan

counterparts. Lower population density

translates into lower revenue per dollar

of network build out unless youre

working with Tecore. The iCore Rural and

Remote System provides operators with

dual benefits: enhanced features to driveincremental revenue; and lower build

out cost when compared to large vendor

offerings.

The Rural and Remote System provides:

a complete, compact and cost-effective mobile network including

core and radio access components

capability to process multiple voice

and data technologies including

GSM, CDMA, 2.5/3G data and VoIP in

multiple frequency bands

superior voice quality compared to

alternative solutions

SolutionsRural and Remote Communications


13/16

New License Networks

The technology divide between

developed and developing regions of

the world is rapidly being addressed

by mobile communications, which

offer an unmatched combination of

service quality, operational flexibility

and cost of ownership. This explains

why, today, mobile subscribers number

approximately the same as wireline

subscribers, even though the wireline

base had nearly a centurys head start.

Thus, governments are making spectrum

licenses available to operators to cover

new regions, and those operators are

turning to time-tested, standards-basedtechnologies to deliver services.

Macro Capacity Networks for New and

Existing Wireless Operators

A new license wireless operator is

concerned with all facets of developing

his business, and the challenges are

many. Defining the target subscriber

market, building the operation, staffing,

and establishing retail channels are

only a few of the challenges facing anew operator. For the task of actually

designing and deploying the mobile

network, the operator needs a partner

who he can trust that will bring the right

mix of technology and services together

to deliver a rapid, cost-effective, and

scalable mobile network upon which he

can build his business.

Tecore has significant experience in

deploying numerous greenfield wireless

networks for new license operatorsthroughout the world, from single city

applications, to Wireless Local Loops,

to nationwide coverage. Tecores team

can leverage this experience to help

new license operators in the planning,

deployment, and service launch of

their business. From network design

to deployment planning and project

management to subscriber equipment

selection and integration, Tecore

can help you through the time-critical

planning and implementation cycles with

quick time to service and cost efficiency as

primary goals.

End-to-End Solutions

Tecores Professional Services team will

work with you through the entire life

cycle of the deployment project, startingwith planning and design, through

development and deployment, and

into commercial operation. The services

include project management, network

engineering, systems integration,

deployment services, training, and

support, including remote Network

Operations Center operations if required

by the operator.

Solutions


14/16

Multi-Network Support. As

MVNO/E opportunities become more

specialized and targeted, there is a

decrease in the number of servable

subscribers in the vertical market.

The iCores ability to host multiple

network occurrences from the same

common infrastructure allows MVNO/

Es to leverage a single platform across

multiple networks and vertical market

segments.

Machine to Machine. For

MVNO/Es targeting metering or

transport tracking applications,

the iCore Network Center providesan ideal compliment of standard

network functions such as MSC, HLR,

and SMSC that facilitate the unique

requirements of this market segment.

Tecores integrated systems approach

provides the ease of single platform

deployment, management, and support.

An MVNO/E system can optionallybe configured to support a range of

services such as text messaging, prepaid,

alternative call routing, USSD callback

and enterprise roaming services. Our

IP architecture facilitates a highly

customizable operator environment, from

multi IMSI/MSISDN support to Push-to-

Talk and other multimedia offerings.

The critical success factor for an MVNO

or MVNE is a differentiated business

model to attract and engender loyalty

from a target segment of subscribers. A

differentiated business model in turn

implies unique service offerings as

well as varied operating parameters.

Fortunately, Tecores software-driven,

multi-protocol architecture provides

just the modularity, range of features

and cost-effectiveness these operators

require, easing the deployment effort

and allowing them to focus their efforts

on the challenges of their business,

such as establishing a brand, pricing, orapplication that sets them apart from

other operators in the market. In fact,

MVNOs/Es can deploy the same core

network as their markets expand to

different regions. So both CDMA

subscribers in the U.S.A. and GSM

subscribers in Western Europe

can be supported simultaneously

with one common solution.

Possible Configurations

Shared Access. TheMVNO/E shares access to

the subscriber information

and hosts the account in the

licensed operators HLR/HSS.

Local Subscriber Control.

The MVNO provides storage

and control of the subscriber

profiles.

Backbone Routing. For VoIP

backbone carriers, the MVNO/E

controls call and transactionprocessing utilizing their own IP

network.

Multi-IMSI Support. For multi-

national MVNO/E applications, the

Tecore solution supports multiple

IMSI profiles allowing handsets to

adjust their identity to the serving

network while accessing a common

profile in the HLR.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators / Enablers

Solutions

Features and Benefits

Complete end-to-end or

modular MVNO/E solutions

Patented multi-protocol

architecture supports

operator services across

GSM, CDMA, 2.5/3G data

and VoIP

Optional edge gateways

provide access localization

and cost-effective backhaul

handling

Support for IN-/IMS-based

services

Integrated Tecore HLR/HSS

support

Modular architecture -

solution components canbe distributed or integrated

in a single system based

on the operators business

model

Maintain control of

subscribers, call processing,

and CDRs

Quick deployment for

fastest time-to-revenue

USSD Callback as a

cost-effective roaming

alternative


15/16

Tecores IP-based architecture and turnkey solution set feature-rich yet flexible, modular

yet scalable can be adapted to a wide range of new network environments. In addition

to the proven solutions described earlier, we continually address more specialized

applications.

Lab Systems for Network Testing and Validation

Mobile operators, governments and integrators need to have

systems that allow them to test their wireless networks in

a lab environment. The systems need to support all of the

latest commercial standard protocols and interoperability,

but must also be compact, easy to install and configure, and

cost-effective without sacrificing features and functionality. Tecores lab systems can

be configured in a modular manner from our core and radio access network products

to create the precise test bed required. These systems also have built-in interfaces for

IN or IMS services that allow an operator or integrator to network test their applicationservers in a real network environment. The systems simplify the task of testing wireless

elements, including radio access network products, mobile core network elements,

and application servers before deploying new services or products in a live network.

Tecore lab systems are available in a variety of hardware platforms, and feature a

complete suite of management and administration functions.

Shipboard Networks

Marine industry demand for onboard cellular systems is

booming. Tecores shipboard system offers ubiquitous

cellular coverage on the entire vessel, including inside the

crews and passengers cabins. Key attributes of the system

are: complete, compact and cost-effective mobile network;

TDM and IP network interfaces to enable satellite backhaul and localized switching

for on-ship calls; capability to process multiple voice and data technologies including

GSM, CDMA, 2.5/3G data and VoIP in multiple frequency bands, thus enabling use

of existing subscriber devices; and integrated, value-added features to generate

incremental revenue, such as Over-the-Air Prepaid Roaming to provide services directly to

network visitors without the need for a roaming agreement.

Transportable Networks

Whether its the big game, a community event, or some other

temporary gathering, the flexibility to augment network

capabilities and provide increased capacity allows operators toadjust the network to the needs of their subscribers. Deployable

capacity is a key to adapting a network to temporary changes

in configuration. Tecores transportable solutions provide a self

contained network that can be deployed and servicing customers in a matter of minutes

supporting the full range of wireless service. Capable of operating in standalone fashion

or integrated with permanently installed infrastructure, the deployment of the Tecore

solution provides a transparent augmentation to the coverage and capacity of the

network.

Specialized Mobile Networks

Solutions

Other Specialized Network

Private Networks

Satellite Systems (Iridium

Inmarsat, Traditional)

Network Infrastructure

SharingData Networks

Disaster Recovery

Back-up Systems

Military Core

Communications

Military Training

Test and Validation

Aircraft / Airships

Monitoring and Control

(Governmental, Prisons)Utility (SCADA Monitorin

Communications)


16/16

Products at a Glance

iCore Network Center Mobile Switching Center

Visitor Location Register

Home Location Register / Authentication Center

Short / Multimedia Message Service Center

International Gateway

Signaling Gateway

IMS Gateway (CSCF / HSS)

Service Control Function / SIP Application Server

iCore Radio Access GSM

GPRS

EDGE

CDMA

1xRTT

EV-DO

Frequency Bands GSM: 700, 850, 900, 1800, 1900

CDMA: 450, 700, 800, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100

Value-Added Features Integrated / Standalone

Prepaid Service including

OTA Prepaid

Multi-Technology Roaming

USSD Callback

Localized Peer-to-Peer IP

Switching

Extended Range Base

Stations

Regulatory Features

Customizable

Configurations

Standard Macro Network

Rapid Response

MVNO/E

Laboratory

Shipboard

Transportable

Private Networks

Satellite Systems (Iridium,

Inmarsat, Traditional)

Network Infrastructure

Sharing

Data Networks

Disaster Recovery

Back-up Systems

Military Core

Communications

Military Training

Test and Validation

Aircraft / Airships

Monitoring and Control

(Governmental, Prisons)

Utility (SCADA MonitoringCommunications)

ISO 9001:2000

Certified

Global Mobile Award Winner

1998 2006 2007

An ISO 9001:2000 Certified Company

7061 Columbia Gateway Drive

Columbia, MD 21046, U.S.A.

Tel +1 410.872.6000 Fax +1 410.872.6010

[email protected] www.tecore.com

Tecore Networks, The core of convergence, iCore and their associated logos are trademarks of Tecore, Inc.

2008 Tecore, Inc. All rights reserved.

Documents

Te Core Networks Product Book