Cell C ‘deploys MPLS network in six weeks’
According to Nishal Radhalal, manager of data and telephony networks at Cell C, the decision to implement this network – in addition to the organisation’s existing GSM networks for mobile voice communications – was spurred by the convergence of voice and data.
"Convergence is a trend that Cell C has monitored as a significant market force for some time. As the concept of convergence matures, we want to be sure that our customers gain the benefits of reduced costs and improved convenience by deploying an appropriate network," says Radhalal.
Initially the network will carry Cell C’s data traffic (GPRS and EDGE wireless services), but, in due course, the full capabilities of a next-generation-network will be leveraged to transmit voice traffic using VoIP, he adds.
Business Connexion’s CTO, Andy Brauer, explains that MPLS is a fundamental building block and can support 3G, 4G, data, Video and VoIP for next generation technology. It enables networks to carry different kinds of traffic, such as data, video and voice, and also ensures end-to-end quality of service (QoS), he claims.
"For Cell C’s requirements, MPLS is critical, because it ensures that the communications networks function effectively and can support VoIP," he says.
Radhalal explains how the new network will be used to carry voice and improve operational costs for the company.
"Cell C is using this network for transmission. Essentially, cellular communications take place over a radio [GSM] network. Instead of carrying the signal generated when someone makes a call entirely over the GSM network, it can be ‘offloaded’ onto the MPLS network and transmitted more cost-effectively to a node (a node is a connection or distribution point) nearest the person being called. The signal is then passed back to the base station, which sends it to the handset," he says.
Radhalal adds that the business case for the network, which consists of ten sites nationwide and 30 nodes, was based on an aggressive return on investment horizon. "This network will pay for itself in just 14 months owing to reduced operational costs," he concludes.
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