Polaris Networks has deployed its LTE packet core for Globe Internet, a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Malawi.
An incumbent provider of 4G-LTE services, Globe Internet selected the Polaris NetEPC to add scalability in its network capacity to deliver services to greater number of broadband subscribers and to improve the quality-of-service delivered to its customers. Apart from the Evolved Packet Core, Polaris Networks also deployed Offline and Online Charging servers (OFCS and OCS) in Globe Internet’s network to enable the service provider to charge its prepaid and post-paid subscribers differently based on their custom graded subscription plans.
The Polaris Networks NetEPC is a comprehensive implementation of the core network elements of 3GPP defined LTE technology. It combines the Mobile Management Entity (MME), the Home Subscriber Server (HSS), the Serving Gateway (S-GW), the Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW), the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), the Online Charging Server (OCS) and the Offline Charging Server (OFCS) into a single carrier-class, highly-available platform. Being hardware-agnostic, the Polaris NetEPC can be easily used on platforms befitting specific deployment requirements.
The deployment was carried out after completion of interoperability and integration tests of the NetEPC with LTE base stations, OSS/BSS and other equipment used to complete the network build-out. The vendors’ compliance to 3GPP standards in their implementation eased the process of interworking between multi-vendor equipment and the network could go live in a short time, ensuring a smooth transition from WISP’s older EPC equipment to the NetEPC.
