LTE data and VoLTE roaming

One of the reasons for GSM's global success is seamless roaming from country-to-country and from network-to-network; for all mobile services to successfully migrate to LTE, roaming is a required capability. All 3G voice and data roaming is enabled by SS7 signaling, but in the all-IP world of LTE, SS7 has no home.

A new IP-based architecture using Diameter signaling has been designed to enable the exchange of policy, authentication and mobility information between networks to support LTE subscribers so they can access all communication and data services while roaming.

The LTE roaming solution from Acme Packet is centered on the Net-Net Diameter Director, which secures and controls the Diameter message exchange at the IP border between visited and home service providers and IPX carriers and roaming hubs. It provides the GSMA Diameter Edge Agent (DEA) function. With Net-SAFE security, comprehensive layer 3-5 interworking features and a powerful routing engine, the Net-Net Diameter Director provides interoperability and intelligence at the LTE roaming border.

For VoLTE roaming applications, the Net-Net Diameter Director can be integrated with the Net-Net session border controller (SBC) for a SIP interconnect solution, providing I-BCF and TrGW functions for IMS. This seamlessly combines SIP and Diameter security and controls in the same physical system, providing a low total cost of ownership. In addition, Acme Packet SBCs provide the Visited P-CSCF function for local session control, including Optimal Media Routing with flexibility to anchor media remotely or pass media to the home network.

The Acme Packet edge

The Net-Net Diameter Director controls all Diameter transactions between mobile and wholesale service providers for all LTE voice and data sessions and addresses critical security, interoperability and routing challenges to facilitate LTE roaming. When paired with the Net-Net Session Director for VoLTE control, it allows Acme Packet to offer an LTE roaming solution that addresses the two major signaling protocols of LTE and IMS and provides mobile service providers with:

• Industry-leading Net-SAFE security for IP signaling networks to maximize service availability

• Rapid and dynamic interoperability with SIP and Diameter normalization and IPv4-v6 interworking

• Flexible and scalable routing policies for all traffic

• Centralized network management monitoring and KPI reporting

• An integrated session border controller and Diameter signaling controller for a lower total cost of ownership