About the Client
Canadian Tier-1 Telco
Challenge
With exponential growth in network traffic and bandwidth resources nearing their limits, the client recognized the need to upgrade its IPRAN network. As a forward-thinking telecom leader, it partnered with TCTS to execute an ambitious IPRAN network upgrade, transitioning from IPSEC to MPLS for wireless site backhaul connectivity, and laying the foundation for QoS (Quality of Service)-enabled next-generation intelligent transport networks.
Requirements
Manage Exponential Traffic Growth
A sharp increase in traffic demanded scalable bandwidth solutions to avoid bottlenecks
Transport Network Readiness
The network needed to support the high performance, scalability, and flexibility requirements of 5G
Enhanced QoS
The migration to MPLS VPNs would unlock key features like QoS for wireless customers—a game-changer for delivering superior 5G experiences
Solution
A tailored approach for 5G readiness
TCTS designed a customized managed services solution that focused on precision, scalability, and speed. The project scope encompassed network design, hardware and software upgrades, and rigorous testing to ensure seamless integration with the telco’s existing infrastructure.
- Network Validation and Readiness: Pre-readiness checks, and core router IP script reviews ensured every step of the process was aligned with the telco’s requirements.
- New Router Configuration and Commissioning: Integration of new radio base stations with IPRAN, commissioning of conventional (ASR901, ASR903, ASR920, ME3400, ME3800, 7604) and advanced Cisco routers (NCS 540 NCS 560 ASR9K, ASR1000, RSP720), and IOS (Internet Operating System) upgrades.
- Hardware and Capacity Upgrades: Upgrading from traditional IPSEC VPN connectivity to MPLS-based QoS-enabled connectivity, increasing port speeds from 1G to 10G, and upgrading hardware for enhanced performance.
- MPLS Migration: Transitioning from IPSEC to MPLS VPNs for wireless backhaul, ensuring superior scalability and QoS.
- Network Testing and Change Management: End-to-end testing, including RFC-2544 tests, connectivity testing for 5G services for network components, and meticulous change management protocols, minimized risks and maximized efficiency.
The upgraded infrastructure now supports the performance demands of 5G services and emerging applications.
Results
98%
First-time right delivery
5%
Reduction in cancellation rate
> 99%
Maintenance window compliance
25K +
Transactions delivered in 1 year
The seamless migration to MPLS and QoS-enabled connectivity not only addressed the surge in network traffic but also positioned the telco to deliver superior 5G experiences. This strategic upgrade underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in building agile, scalable networks that meet the evolving demands of next-generation connectivity.
