Chapter 6-7
The Tools for the Convergence Job & Conclusion
Having discussed various architectural challenges in the previous excerpts from our white paper “Converging Telecom Architecture & Business”, this section now focuses on key tools that enable informed architectural choices and facilitate true service-level convergence.
Overall, these tools should be:
- Software-based, platform-agnostic (standard server HW, VNF, CNF), capable of scaling and delivering high performance.
- Security-focused, safeguarding subscribers against attacks and spam while protecting their personal data.
- Standards-based, with open interfaces and APIs, ensuring interoperability.
- Flexible and easy to configure and adapt in real-time, allowing for quick adjustments to changing conditions while offering enhanced observability and control.
- Proven in telecom environments, embodying carrier-grade resilience and reliability.
We want to highlight Enea’s tools for:
Network Access Control
Enea AAA Server, a standards-compliant AAA server with protocol adapters and a powerful rules engine for custom logic, making it ideal for replacing existing AAA servers and creating middleware solutions.
Signaling Security
Enea Signaling Security provides cross-protocol protection against signaling threats for all network generations, safeguarding protocols such as SS7, Diameter, GTP-C, and HTTP/2.
Messaging Security
Enea Messaging Security provides SMS, MMS, and RCS firewall solutions for mobile operators and satellite providers with their own mobile core, safeguarding revenues, ensuring compliance, and protecting users.
Flexible Policy Management
Enea Policy Manager PCRF/PCF functions for 4G and 5G networks. It manages policy rules for various connectivity types. In a converged environment, the number of policies can grow rapidly. Success hinges on scalable policy systems capable of dynamically applying and switching policies as needed to ensure optimal performance and flexibility.
Data Traffic Management
Enea Traffic Management, can reduce video traffic load by up to 20%. Classifying traffic as early as possible during data transfer enables effective policy enforcement that can adapt based on subscriber status, network congestion, or connectivity issues. It also supports comprehensive reporting and analytics. Beyond billing, this involves understanding network performance, quality of experience, capacity planning, and providing accurate data for AI/ML-based operational tools.
Wi-Fi Service Management & Offloading
The Enea Aptilo SMP is the world’s leading platform for large-scale Wi-Fi service management. Its innovative Wi-Fi offloading solution, featuring QoE-based Traffic Steering, provides mobile operators with precise control over network selection—choosing between Cellular and Wi-Fi to optimize user experience.
Subscriber & Device Data Management
The Enea Stratum Network Data Layer harmonizes data across multiple storage locations, enabling a unified approach to data access, updates, notifications, distribution, and security. Our vision is that the telecom organization maintains comprehensive control over the data used by various applications through a common, centralized network data layer.
Conclusion
As the telecommunications landscape evolves, the convergence of cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi networks is becoming increasingly essential to meet user expectations for seamless and secure universal connectivity.
In this dynamic environment, the challenge of establishing a single, converged telecom service is intensifying. The frontrunner will be the one that effectively manages the subscriber/device relationship and gains access to the associated revenue streams.
To deliver quality connectivity services cost-effectively, operators must implement the right tools to facilitate the necessary choices and planning for next-generation access. This includes leveraging lower-cost indoor coverage and capacity expansion through Wi-Fi, as well as integrating satellite access for ubiquitous coverage.
As the network transforms, the software tools and user/device management must adapt to ensure observability and visibility into the network. The adaptation will also enable partner communication providers to access the user and session data vital for effective service delivery.
This white paper has examined the integration of emerging Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with existing technologies, such as 5G and secure Wi-Fi, highlighting the need for flexible and resilient network architectures. Key developments, including LEO satellite deployment and the adoption of new 3GPP standards, are driving this convergence and prompting mobile operators to rethink their traditional service delivery models.
However, the transition is accompanied by challenges, such as managing diverse connectivity environments, ensuring user control over data consumption, and preventing unexpected charges. A focus on user-centric services will guide operators as they adopt robust tools for traffic management, security, policy enforcement, and data handling.
As an established telecom vendor, Enea provides essential tools for the next level of converged network access and services in a multi-vendor environment. Our innovative solutions—spanning traffic management, network security, Wi-Fi offloading, and policy control—equip operators to navigate this complex landscape, ensuring compliance while enhancing user experience.
By leveraging past experiences and modern tools, operators can deliver efficient, adaptable services that meet today’s consumer demands while preparing for future connectivity requirements. Ultimately, differentiation among telecom operators lies not just in network convergence but, even more so, in service convergence.
Contact us to continue the discussion on how Enea can support you in thriving in this new era of converged connectivity.
