Tecore Networks, one of the top global suppliers of 2G, 3G and 4G mobile infrastructure and multi-technology, announced yesterday that it would present its iCore all-IP software-defined core network at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona from February 15 to 18. The iCore supports 2G GSM and CDMA, 3G UMTS and 4G LTE on a wide range of hardware platforms. The Maryland-headquartered company will showcase its product in Hall 8, Stand 8C78. With the help of the iCore, running multiple standards on a single network will be a lot more flexible for mobile operators, thus increasing their revenues on the existing services while launching next-gen applications. Operators will also be able to use the platform together with radio access equipment, since the iCore is compatible with 3GPP and 3GPP2 standards and can also provide a Radio Network Controller (RNC) optionally.

The increasing demand for broadband data recorded in the last year, the harsh economic conditions and the search for the best and most effective network technology are all important issues that mobile operators worldwide are facing at the moment. The features of the iCore might solve some of these problems. iCore ensures the increased control of network profitability by allowing mobile operators to collect revenues from the use of 2G services (still used by over 85 percent of the subscribers), while meeting the demand for next-generation devices and applications, and bringing the expenses of separate network elements to a minimum.

Also the simultaneous use of GSM, CDMA and UMTS on one all-IP platform, with the upgrade to LTE available through software plug-ins, means operators can offer multi-technology roaming, which will lead to increasing revenues from visiting subscribers. The scalability of the software-defined network has the benefit of creating systems that can support as few as 100 subscribers or can be upgraded as the subscriber base grows.

Based on customer demand and continuing evolution of the standards, iCore now includes:
- All-IP communication and signaling including an IMS core;
- Concurrent support for voice and data services for GSM, CDMA and SIP technology - families, from common object code;
- Complete 2G-3G-4G core network (UMSC, EPC, MSC/VLR, HLR/HSS, AuC/AC, SMSC/MMSC, Prepaid IN) delivered on a single blade;
- Optional integrated RNC;
- Peer-to-peer IP switching, enabling tandem-free operations for signaling as well as transcoding-free operation for VoIP or RTP;
- Carrier-grade Linux operating system, deployable on a range of hardware platforms including compact-PCI, microTCA and ATCA.

Jay Salkini, president and chief executive officer, Tecore Networks, said that, at the moment, data and multimedia services were the two main things the company focused on, but also pointed out that 2G services covered more than 85 percent of the mobile communication market. “Operators are looking for flexible and cost-effective ways to maintain and transition network technologies. iCore has been proven to meet these needs, through an all-IP architecture compliant with the most commercially successful standards, scalable from rural and remote installations to nationwide networks. The Tecore executive team looks forward to demonstrating the iCore value proposition at Mobile World Congress,” Jay Salkini said.