Crossing the chasm to next-generation networks

Global LTE network rollouts are accelerating and the transition to all-IP networks continues to gather momentum. Global expenditure on network improvements will top $250 billion by 2015, while LTE alone will account for 46% of spend over this period, according to Infonetics. However, the switch to next generation networks will not occur immediately; this evolution will take place gradually, over years, on an as-required basis, driven by business needs and not just for the sake of upgrading technology.

This incremental change has led to the emergence of ‘heterogeneous networks’ (networks based on a mixture of legacy and next generation technologies), creating a new set of challenges for operators to address. At the same time, network components are becoming functionally more complex; having to operate in environments that involve multiple technologies, vendors and standards. Because of this, niche testing solutions are becoming inadequate as they only address a small portion of the problem.

If this abstract has piqued your interest, read the full article online in the August issue of Electronic Specifier Design, by clicking here.