Johannesburg, 13 Dec 2006
In a bid to ensure it continues to provide its customers with cost-effective telecommunication services that take advantage of the convergence of voice and data, Cell C has deployed a next-generation network using Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) that will see the cellular company reap benefits within a year of this investment.
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 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 voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). As such, it was critical that the network was built to 'carrier-grade' specifications to ensure the highest degree of reliability and availability.
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).
"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."
Radhalal adds that the business case for the network, which consists of 10 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 says.
Despite the countrywide deployment, the aggressive implementation schedule of just six weeks was achieved by close co-operation with the systems integrator and implementer, Business Connexion (BCX) and equipment manufacturer, Huawei.
"The level of participation with Huawei was impressive. BCX's engineers were trained on its products and given access to its software engineers to solve code-level problems within six hours," Brauer says.
Given the short deployment window, integration of the supply chain was equally important. From Business Connexion's central Midrand facility, all equipment was pre-configured for rapid installation at the various locations around the country.
Radhalal is impressed with the results of this close collaboration: "As a turnkey project that was designed, implemented and will be maintained by Business Connexion, this project makes business sense for Cell C. We are satisfied that the solution will meet our needs rapidly and cost-effectively."
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