Alcatel-Lucent Unveils its Evolved Packet Core for LTE

Alcatel-Lucent introduced its Evolved Packet Core (EPC) architecture for operators deploying Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks.


Unlike existing cellular networks, LTE will be based on a flat, all-IP packet core for both voice and data services. The Evolved Packet Core will feature a clear delineation of the control plane and the data plane.


Alcatel-Lucent's Evolved Packet Core incorporates four elements, including: the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Dynamic Services Controller (DSC), which manage dynamic mobility and policy; and the Serving Gateway (SGW) and Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway, which are implemented as plug-in hardware and software modules for the Alcatel-Lucent 7750 Service Router. The MME will be based on an in-house Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) purpose-built platform. All EPC elements are managed by the Alcatel-Lucent 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM). In addition, the EPC integrates with the Alcatel-Lucent Mobile Evolution Transport Architecture (META), providing an all-IP evolution path to LTE technologies in both the transport and core networks.


Alcatel-Lucent noted that its EPC solution draws on its established based on its 30,000 7750 SR router deployments amongst 260+ operators.
With the 7750 SR, operators are able to deploy a single router that supports 2G, 3G and LTE as well as wireline networks, reducing cost, complexity and space requirements.


The company also noted that its EPC architecture has already been selected by Verizon Wireless. Alcatel-Lucent was also selected for the RAN and IMS portions of the Verizon Wireless LTE network as well.


"The move to LTE is one of the most critical network transformations we will see within the next 5-10 years," said Basil Alwan, President of Alcatel-Lucent's IP activities. "Consumers are now using their wireless devices for more sophisticated broadband applications and mobile operators have recognized that a new IP network architecture is required to meet the resulting demands.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/epc