Vanu Gets GSM RAN Interoperability Pass

Vanu has announced that its Vanu Software Radio GSM radio access network (RAN) has achieved interoperability approval from Nortel Networks. Compatibility approval was achieved using Nortel Networks GSM core network equipment located in Nortel Networks Wireless Interoperability Lab in Richardson, Texas.

The testing, conducted at the end of 2003, affirms that Vanu's RAN software interoperates successfully with Nortel Networks' MSC/VLR/HLR over a standard A interface. With this approval, Vanu, Inc.'s all-software base transceiver system (BTS) and base station controller (BSC) solution is approved for interaction with Nortel Networks traditional circuit switch core networks, in addition to supporting connectivity to IP based media gateways.

"Gaining interoperability approval is a significant step on our roadmap toward offering a flexible GSM/GPRS/UMTS radio access network," stated John Winn, vice president of sales and marketing for Vanu, Inc. "For wireless operators, the Vanu Software Radio solution provides added flexibility by enhancing their new or existing GSM networks while setting the stage for future network migration."

In a traditional base station deployment, the BTS and BSC require dedicated hardware. The Vanu Software Radio solution uses off-the-shelf servers and the Linux operating system to run their BTS and BSC software applications. By moving these functions into software, cellular service providers have the ability to upgrade their system, add standards and services and perform maintenance tasks all through changes to software. Additionally, carriers gain the ability to support multiple standards on the same hardware while using software to manage the traffic and channel allocation for each standard dynamically.

Vanu Software Radio software is designed for portability, allowing it to run on a customer's desired platform. This flexibility makes the technology well suited for integration with existing systems, whether it is a traditional commercial wireless network or a custom deployment with unique customer needs."

Posted to the site on 12th February 2004