We’ve often stated that YateUCN, our unified 2G/4G core network solution, can be used to extend existing LTE networks or upgrade GSM deployments to 4G LTE. And that’s correct. In this post we will take a closer look at how that happens and why YateUCN is more profitable than current solutions for operators moving towards LTE networks.
YateUCN is designed as a unified equipment that replaces all the functions performed by separate hardware components with one software application running on commodity hardware. This has the advantages of reducing the infrastructure costs, minimizing the equipment’s time to market, and increasing network resiliency due to a simplified management of software.
Let’s look at two scenarios where YateUCN can be integrated in existing networks.
Extend 4G LTE networks
For operators looking to increase access to 4G services YateUCN is a flexible, cost-effective solution. It drastically reduces initial equipment investment, allowing them to roll out more networks in a shorter time, to better serve growing consumer needs.
This can be done easily because YateUCN integrates all the LTE-specific functions and protocols, so that it interconnects with any existing operator setup. Every hardware component in the EPC – the MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF, and PCEF – is replaced with software running on a single piece of equipment.
The MME function handles UEs trying to connect to the network. It is responsible for subscriber authentication and uses S6a interface (Diameter) to connect to the operator’s HSS. The MME is also in charge of mobility management, allowing UEs continuous connectivity and active sessions as they move through the network.
YateUCN is fully compatible with any eNodeB, using S1-AP interface to manage inter-MME handover.
The SGW function allows YateUCN to manage data traffic routing over S1-U interface, ensuring communication between the eNodeB and the PGW, which establishes and maintains the IP session. The PGW interconnects with the charging solution of the operator using Diameter and Radius interface, allowing AAA management for wireless access.
The PCRF in YateUCN maintains QoS levels and charging policies, enabling mobile operators to control bandwidth usage while their subscribers are roaming. The Policy and Control Enforcement Function, PCEF, performs policy enforcement and service data flow detection, making sure the data flow through from the PGW is accessible.
The unified nature of YateUCN leads to large equipment savings, and makes it easy to manage the network capacities with a software upgrade.
Upgrade networks to 4G LTE
2G/3G networks can be upgraded to 4G LTE using YateUCN core network and SatSite for the radio network. A new LTE network with YateUCN and YateENB SatSite significantly reduces overall network roll-out costs. SatSite operating on YateENB is an eNodeB communicating with the MME in YateUCN over S1 interface and with any other eNodeB over X2 interface.
Since YateUCN also unifies all the layers of the GSM/GPRS core alongside the EPC, it also acts as an extension of existing 2G networks, achieved at no costs for additional 2G core equipment.
SatSite can run on YateBTS and YateENB at the same time, so each cell will act as a mixed 2G/4G site. As a result, operators can choose to use SatSite in mixed 2G/4G networks, without needing a new 2G core. What’s more, since in 2G mode YateBTS SatSite unifies both the BTS and the BSC layer, it communicates directly with YateUCN core network, using the SIP/GTP protocols.
The MSC contained in YateUCN allows subscribers to be handed over from the YateUCN – SatSite network to the operator’s current 2G deployment in the case of CS services mobility. Subscribers can roam from the YateUCN/SatSite network to any existing MSC serving the roaming area to ensure voice services continuity.
YateUCN can be integrated in any system already deployed by the operator. Used together with SatSite, it serves to build complete 4G LTE or mixed 2G/LTE networks with a low infrastructure and operations investment, ensuring consumers consistent access to both voice and data services.
