Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Direct solution

LTE-type flat architecture for 3G networks

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Flexi Direct solution

Copyright 2012 Nokia Siemens Networks. All rights reserved.

Redefining how 3G networks are built

As the roll out of LTE networks accelerates across the world, so flat network architecture is rapidly becoming the norm. Flat architecture for 3G permits operators to similarly enjoy many of the benefits realised in LTE networks, offering enhanced subscriber experiences and simplified network considerations. All of which helps operators to meet the rapidly rising demand from users for mobile broadband with top performance and at ever more competitive prices. Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Direct solution brings the advantages of LTE flat architecture to 3G networks. By integrating the Radio Network Controller (RNC) functionality into the base station of conventional 3G networks, Flexi Direct improves traffic flows and reduces the networks total cost of ownership.

Standardized and simplified architecture

Flexi Direct technology is standardized in 3GPP Release 7, which ensures interoperability with existing 3G core networks and 3GPP terminals. Flexi Directs approach means that the base station connects directly to the core network. The integration of RNC functionality into the base station means that investments can instead be redirected to develop the network in other ways. Investing in Flexi Direct enables a significantly higher number of mobile broadband subscribers to be served and removes the risk of investments becoming obsolete when upgrading to LTE. Flexi Direct enables operators to increase 3G network capabilities flexibly without the need for RNC upgrades, which also improves network availability for end users.

Flexi Direct is smart device and voice call friendly

It is well known that smart devices tend to produce huge amounts of data and signalling traffic, which traditional RNCs need to cope with. Flexi Direct with its embedded RNC functionality supports a practically unlimited number of smart devices per cell. The mobile broadband experience is improved through Flexi Directs fast network response times, rapid call set-up times and high capacity to meet peak traffic demands and increased throughput to support more customers using data-hungry services such as video streaming.

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Flexi Direct solution

Copyright 2012 Nokia Siemens Networks. All rights reserved.

Support for voice is a prerequisite for any mobile network. Based on Nokia Siemens Networks renowned Flexi Multiradio base station family, the Flexi Direct solution maintains the same high quality voice capability.

Seamless migration to LTE

Flexi Direct uses LTE network architecture (Flexi Direct has even been referred to as pre-LTE). This similarity effectively smoothes network evolution to LTE and protects operators existing 3G network investments, potentially enabling earlier and simplified entry into the LTE market. Since introducing the first 3GPP-standardized commercial implementation of 3G flat architecture, Nokia Siemens Networks has continued to invest in developing the technologys capabilities. Flexi Direct introduces further enhancements to the already impressive throughput; it boasts downlink data rates of up to 100 Mbps and 34 Mbps in the uplink. Additionally it supports hybrid transport capabilities and IPSec for complete confidence. These are just some of the latest developments that demonstrate Nokia Siemens Networks commitment to delivering a forward thinking solution, today. Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Direct is the only fully 3GPP compliant flat architecture solution for 3G networks. Only Flexi Direct allows operators to deploy 3G mobile broadband services using LTE-ready network architecture and equipment.

Nokia Siemens Networks P.O. Box 1 FI-02022 NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS Finland Visiting address: Karaportti 3, ESPOO, Finland Switchboard +358 71 400 4000 (Finland) Switchboard +49 89 5159 01 (Germany) Copyright 2012 Nokia Siemens Networks. All rights reserved. Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation, Siemens is a registered trademark of Siemens AG. The wave logo is a trademark of Nokia Siemens Networks Oy. Other company and product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks of their respective owners, and they are mentioned for identification purposes only. This publication is issued to provide information only and is not to form part of any order or contract. The products and services described herein are subject to availability and change without notice.