Affirmed Networks, a virtualized mobile network provider, has introduced a new end-to-end solution designed to enable mobile operators to more profitably deliver IoT services through Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) and the Affirmed IoT Service Platform.
Coming through a new partnership with Tech Mahindra, the IoT Service Platform integrates with enterprise systems and data so that mobile operators can more easily create and deliver IoT services. It is built on an open architecture to empower operators to deliver revenue-generating services while remaining flexible. The solution includes mobile core functions optimized for NB-IoT such as Cellular IoT Serving Gateway Node (C-SGN), Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) and the Service Capability Server (SCS), that allow mobile operators to deliver a wide spectrum of IoT services in accordance with the latest 3GPP standards.
“Successful IoT strategies will need to encompass both network connectivity and service enablement capabilities,” said Karthikeyan Natarajan, Global Head, Integrated Engineering Services, Tech Mahindra. “With virtualized network architectures now having emerged as the preferred connectivity solution for high-value IoT services, we have partnered with Affirmed Networks, a company who has successfully deployed virtual network solutions for some of the world’s largest mobile operators. Our combined focus will leverage both the NFV network and service enablement capabilities to provide operators with a solution that enables them to deliver IoT services profitably.”
The solution is also 5G-enabled and supports advanced capabilities related to network slicing and Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) architecture. Network slicing allows mobile operators to offer customized services by customer, industry or vertical segment over a single virtualized network. The CUPS architecture enables operators to separate the core network, allowing for centralized and distributed deployments.
“Virtualized networks provide operators with an efficient and cost effective way of delivering IoT connectivity,” said Angela Whiteford, VP, product management and marketing, Affirmed Network. “We are now adding service delivery capabilities and support for emerging access standards that are part of an end-to-end solution enabling mobile operators to manage all aspects of a profitable IoT service.”
Edited by
Alicia Young
