VoLTE and LTE growth are fuelling a surge in Diameter deployments – but don’t forget SS7
The rapid rise of LTE is fuelling demand for Diameter-enabled solutions in mobile – and also IMS-based networks globally. Rightly, Diameter has captured a lot of attention, as it has a vital role to play in the next generation network. It’s the chosen replacement for SS7, being used to provide the control capabilities required for the interaction of elements in the network. Just as SS7 was used for communication and information exchange between IN nodes – for example, to check service profiles in a database before triggering a specific service – so Diameter performs the same function in the next generation network.
That’s great, as we move ahead with VoLTE and explore new kinds of services and applications. However, as analysts at ABI Research point out, despite this growth, SS7 must not be overlooked. Legacy networks will co-exist with LTE (and future 5G networks) for some time to come, largely due to the differences in deployed network footprint around the world and, crucially, due to the differences in applications that must be serviced. Quite apart from the persistence of GSM and 2G networks for conventional communications services, the emerging world of M2M will continue to bolster demand because, while new M2M applications will require high bandwidth connections enabled by LTE and 5G, many existing M2M services will continue to use SS7 for control because they consume only minimal amounts of data and have limited power consumption requirements, which mean they must process data efficiently.
This co-existence means that network operators will need to both maintain interfaces to existing SS7 control entities while supporting connectivity to new, Diameter-enabled nodes. On the face of it, this presents a challenge, as everyone would like to see a harmonious, homogenous network. What’s more, many vendors of legacy SS7 solutions are shifting entirely towards delivery of NGN Diameter equipment, which means that incumbent solutions may soon be declared end-of-life and left orphaned without support.
This means that operators need to consider several tactics as they execute their overall strategy of migration towards LTE and beyond. First, they need to protect existing SS7-based services, by replacing legacy solutions with ones that can continue to perform and are backed by the appropriate support agreements. That may mean finding a new supplier that can provide like-for-like replacement functionality.
Second, they need to deploy more Diameter control systems that can provide the new capabilities they need, to support new services and to manage Diameter-based functions. Finally, they need to consider how such services can interact across both legacy and NGN networks, to ensure compatibility and appropriate interworking between both domains.
All of which means that you need to pay attention to the solutions you require. Not only must you consider new Diameter capabilities, but you can’t neglect or ignore requirements for SS7. The need for SS7 remains independently of the demand for Diameter, despite the fact that Diameter growth is capturing all of the attention. As experts in both domains, we can help. If you want to discuss your SS7 and Diameter requirements and network evolution tactics, why not get in touch to explore your options?
