A Major Stumbling Block Remains in the Path of FMC Services
| Mar 11, 2008 | IP Services Infrastructure | Advisory Report
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Analyst: Joe McGarvey
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Joe McGarvey
Principal Analyst,
IP Services
Infrastructure |
For more than a year now, mobile and fixed telecom service providers have been promising a world of “anywhere, anytime, any device” communications and entertainment services as if simply wishing them into existence or hoping the creation of splashy marketing campaigns would magically render their networks suitable for such ambitious capabilities.
According to a groundbreaking new report, “Introducing the Fixed Mobile Convergence Gateway,” by Joe McGarvey, Principal Analyst for IP Services Infrastructure, the major roadblock in the path of operators delivering compelling and sophisticated fixed mobile convergence (FMC) services is that carriers lack session management facilities capable of simultaneously overseeing the coordination of real-time traffic across the various access technologies, such as cellular2G/3G, WiFi, WiMAX, DSL, cable, fiber and, eventually, femto/picocells, that ring the core of their networks. This is because all of these access technologies differ in some manner (e.g., encryption and authentication technologies) and currently require dedicated access gear to manage the sessions that flow over these connections.
| “The concept of a universal, multi-function gateway – more colloquially
known as a
convergence
gateway – has
begun to materialize.” |
“Until this issue is resolved and operators are able to manage IP sessions flowing into the network across any and all access technologies, compelling FMC applications and services will remain out of reach,” says McGarvey, author of the new report. “Betting that such a device will be attractive to operators in the near future, several vendors are shifting product development in this direction and the concept of a universal, multi-function gateway – more colloquially known as a convergence gateway – has begun to materialize.”
Adding dedicated session management and security gear for each access network creates a counterproductive relationship between network flexibility and complexity, the report adds. In other words, the closer service providers move toward accommodating the “anywhere, anytime” expectations of subscribers by supporting multiple types of access networks, the more complex their networks grow.
Accordingly, the major supporting argument for convergence gateways is network consolidation and simplification. Instead of operators dedicating equipment to match each flavor of access technology, a convergence gateway would be able to oversee all traffic flowing into the network from the different types of access devices and conduits. And while there is little disagreement over the number and types of features that will be required to deliver compelling FMC services, significant differences exist among equipment makers and operators regarding the packaging of those functions. One thing that everyone does agree on is to satisfy user expectations of having access to the same applications regardless of where they may be or the type of device they may be using at any given time will require millions of additional dollars in investment and more than a year of infrastructure evolution.
Recommended End User Actions
• Mobile operators that are looking to extend coverage and leverage broadband fixed lines, as opposed to building out radio access networks, need to track the evolution of security gateways and related equipment in this space closely. As operators increasingly rely on data-oriented services for revenue generation, mobile operators will require access equipment that is optimized to secure and manage that traffic.
• Operators with both fixed and mobile assets looking to consolidate around a common set of voice and data applications/services, should intensely evaluate equipment that offers them the ability to consolidate their access infrastructures. These carriers should work with prospective equipment suppliers to calculate the potential operating and capital expense savings connected to deploying a multi-service, integrated access gateway.
• All operators need to figure out the best approach for packaging session management technology. Carriers need to figure out what types of session management functions need to be co-located in a single device in order to provide subscribers with the “anywhere, anytime” services they have been promised cost effectively.
• Operators must make a decision on the best host for session management functionality among multiple candidates, including security gateways, SBCs, routers, purpose-build equipment or SGSN/GGSNs. Carriers should first look to leverage existing equipment before considering the introduction of a new platform in their networks.
Click here to download the Current Analysis report, “Introducing the Fixed Mobile Convergence Gateway."
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