Optus trialling cloud-based packet core

Optus is trialling the use of cloud-based mobile packet core technology that is used to address large network traffic spikes and improve service in times when the mobile network is under strain.

The company announced yesterday that it had signed on US startup Connectem, and had been conducting tests of the technology. It said today that it was trialling the technology at its Macquarie Park campus in northern Sydney. Connectem was also passing 4G network traffic through a virtual packet core in Optus' Mascot, Sydney, exchange.

The cloud-based technology is designed to address network traffic spikes through a virtualised packet core, allowing the company to ramp up network resources quickly when it is under strain. The Connectem Virtual Core for Mobile works on both 3G and long-term evolution (LTE) networks

Optus' Managing Director of Networks Günther Ottendorfer said that Optus intends to use the technology to manage network traffic during major events.

"The trial is a world-first, and is one of the ideas that we are fostering as a solution to network congestion during major events. At the same time, we are gaining valuable insight into how the deployment of flexible network infrastructure may fit into our long-term network strategy to deliver even more benefits to our customers," he said in a statement.

The Singtel-owned company also announced yesterday that it would launch a time-division-duplex LTE network in Canberra in early 2013.