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cdma WhITE PAPEr Evolving to LTE – Starent’s seamless migration for CDMA Operators

• Gradual transition from / to will require strategies that enhance existing networks while addressing 4G deployment without a “forklift” upgrade • Support 2G/3G and 4G functionality on a single platform • Meet LTE requirements for increased data rate capacity, reduced , improved spectral efficiency, and enabling improved mobility • Provide seamless roaming between HRPD network and LTE network • Phased migration of existing HRPD to eHRPD by upgrading the core network to EPC elements without an overlay RAN network Over the past two decades, the way people communicate, stay informed, and are entertained has changed dramatically. There have been two major technologies driving this change: the and mobile communication. We have grown accustomed to the wealth of information available through the Internet and the mobility provided with wireless communications. Now these two forces are merging to enable the mobile Internet. With this convergence, mobile data services have grown significantly each year.

However, people have a certain expectation for their Internet deliver superior performance in the existing network, while experience that the mobile wireless environment has not fully being readily upgradeable to the requirements of LTE. Our met since the speed at which they can access their services has solution already includes many of the elements required been limited. Mobile operators realize that if they are to succeed of the 4G network, including integrated intelligence, in today’s communications landscape, they must address the simplified , high performance quality of experience for their users. As a result, they are capabilities, and enhanced mobility. Furthermore, Starent’s deploying network technologies, such as 3G or solutions are capable of supporting multiple functions in a third generation and enhanced 3G, including UMTS, HSPA, and single , allowing a single platform to concurrently act CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev A. Going forward, mobile operators as a 2G/3G and 4G node. All of this is designed to be done will continue to evolve their networks to improve the user through a software upgrade, protecting today’s investment experience and service opportunities. One such evolutionary and eliminating the need for a “forklift” upgrade. technology is the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) specification. access solutions are a primary consideration of the LTE Designated as a 4G or fourth generation mobile specification, deployment strategy, as it impacts the mobile operators’ most LTE is designed to provide multi-megabit bandwidth, more valued asset, spectrum. As an equally important part of this efficient use of the , latency reduction, and equation, the multimedia core network will play a central role improved mobility. This combination aims to enhance the in enhancing mobility, service control, efficient use of network user’s interaction with the network and further drive the resources, and a seamless migration from 2G/3G to 4G. As a demand for mobile multimedia services. With wireless result, the LTE evolution calls for a transition to a “flat,” broadband, people will more readily access their Internet all-IP core network with a simplified architecture and open services, such as on-line television, blogging, social interfaces. This requirement is defined by the System networking, and interactive gaming—all on the go. Architecture Evolution or SAE—also known as Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which is the 3GPP specification for changes to the Changes in mobile communications have always been core network architecture. A key SAE goal is to enhance service evolutionary, and the deployment of LTE will be the same. It provisioning while simplifying interworking with non-3GPP will be a transition from 3G to 4G over a period of several years, mobile networks. This goal is especially critical for CDMA as is the case still with the transition from 2G to 3G. As a result, operators that have chosen to migrate to LTE. mobile operators must look for strategies and solutions that will enhance their existing 3G networks, while addressing As a result, mobile operators are looking for the best their 4G deployment requirements without involving a multimedia core solutions to deliver an user “forklift” upgrade. experience and build an efficient network. Key considerations for the multimedia core network include: Starent Networks delivers these solutions. We are focused • Integration of intelligence at the access edge—As a greater on the specific needs of the mobile operator’s packet core variety of services and user types cross the mobile network, network. As a result, we have developed our solutions to

Page 2 CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Starent Networks, Corp. CDMA Upgrade Paths to UMTS

cdmaOne overlay LTE

Multiple migration paths to LTE eHRPD for 3GPP2 mobile operators

it is critical to have greater network and subscriber that can address 2G/3G network requirements, while at intelligence. Through this intelligence, including Quality of the same time be utilized for 4G network introductions. Service (QoS) and policy enforcement, mobile operators will Operators will want to avoid a “forklift” upgrade, while better understand individual users and their transactions deploying best-of-breed solutions based on open standards. and be able to shape the service experience and optimize Additionally, mobile users will expect a uniform service network efficiency. experience across both networks, with consideration to • Simplified —In order to effectively deliver the bandwidth differences. the enhanced performance of LTE, the network will need According to the UMTS Forum, there is consensus in the to be simplified and flattened with a reduction of elements industry that the first commercial launch of an LTE network involved in data processing and transport. and the initial availability is expected to begin in 2010 with • Optimized backhaul—With the introduction of 4G, associated revenue to occur the following year.1 While it is likely the transport backhaul is a key consideration that many are the evolution to 4G technologies will take many years, it is realizing after the fact. It is very important to deploy a core imperative for mobile operators to identify multimedia core network solution that is flexible enough to offer smooth elements now that will most effectively migrate them to a migration from centralized (longer backhaul) to distributed 4G network in the future. (shorter backhaul) core network nodes. Starent Networks is exceptionally well positioned to address Converged mobility and policy—Maintaining the subscriber • these challenges and assist in the migration to LTE. Our session is an important consideration during 4G to 2G/3G solutions are designed for the specific requirements of the mobility events. Additionally, unified policy management next generation multimedia core network. As a result, these in the network is very important to perform efficient service solutions already address the key considerations listed above, delivery over mixed 4G and 2G/3G networks. Due to these including the ability to support both 2G/3G and 4G functionality considerations, it is important to deploy a core network in a single platform. This allows a single node to appear as a based on a single mobility and policy control paradigm. 2G/3G node to the 2G/3G radio network and a 4G node to the • Increased performance characteristics—Clearly the intent 4G radio network. This provides major benefits to mobile of LTE is to improve the performance and efficiency of the operators that want to smoothly migrate their networks, network. In order to realize the full potential of LTE, it will maximize their investments, and offer an exceptional be critical to deploy core solutions that can meet the experience to their customers. demands generated by increased mobile multimedia services and a growing subscriber base, including Long Term Evolution Requirements increased network capacity requirements, thousands of With specifications nearing completion, the 3GPP is finalizing call transactions per second, and significant throughput. 4G access and core specifications with primary goals of • 2G/3G to 4G migration—As mobile operators migrate increasing bandwidth, improving , their networks to LTE, they will look to minimize cost and reducing latency, and enabling improved mobility. maximize subscriber usage. This will require core solutions

Starent Networks, Corp. CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Page 3 Overview The LTE specifications call for peak data rates of 150 Mbps downlink with 2x2 MIMO and 75 Mbps uplink with 1x2 MIMO SAE Network Functions over 20 MHz channels in FDD mode. This increased capacity SAE defines a series of new network functions that is set to arrive as subscriber data usage begins to strain flattens the architecture by reducing the number of existing 3G networks with dramatic usage increases of nodes in the network, which promises to reduce capital bandwidth intensive applications, long duration services, and operational expenditures; thereby reducing the and signaling overhead. overall cost-per-megabyte of traffic running over the EPC, Latency is another issue tackled by the LTE standards. while improving network performance. Transition times in the control plane are designed to be • Entity (MME)—The MME resides between 50 and 100 milliseconds (ms), depending upon the in the control plane and manages states (attach, detach, state of the session (dormant to active). The user plane will idle, RAN mobility), authentication, paging, mobility, also have reduced latency with less than 5 ms in unload roaming, and other bearer management functions. condition from a small IP packet. • Serving Gateway (SGW)—The SGW sits in the user Spectrum efficiency will also be improved and the radio plane where it forwards and routes packets to and from architecture simplified. This will be achieved through a the eNodeB and Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). single element called the Evolved Node-B (eNodeB) that The SGW also serves as the local mobility anchor for is packet-based, reduces “single points of failure,” supports inter-eNodeB and roaming between two end-to-end QoS, and has an optimized bearer plane with 3GPP systems. reduced number of hops. • Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW)—The PGW (sometimes called the PDN Gateway) acts as the Mobility is also an extremely important factor. As specified, interface between the LTE network and Packet Data the radio network will be optimized for higher performance Networks (PDNs), such as the Internet or SIP-based IMS and seamless handoff between multiple access technologies. networks (fixed and mobile). The PGW is the mobility For CDMA operators, their selection of an evolution path will anchor point for intra 3GPP access system mobility and have an impact on their ability to provide seamless roaming for mobility between 3GPP access systems and between their HRPD network and the LTE network. non-3GPP access systems. The function is responsible Apart from the improvements made on the access portion for IP address allocation, charging, deep packet of the network, the most dramatic and important changes inspection, lawful intercept, policy enforcement, and are in the packet core. other services. System Architecture Evolution • Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG)—The ePDG is the primary element responsible for interworking between SAE/EPC specifies the network architecture in 3GPP 4G core the EPC and untrusted non-3GPP networks, such as a networks. SAE/EPC promises an all-IP core network with a wireless LAN. The ePDG uses Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) simplified and flattened architecture that supports higher to interact with the PGW when the UE is in an untrusted throughput, lower latency, as well as support for mobility non-3GPP system. The ePDG is involved in the Policy and between 3GPP (GSM, UMTS, and LTE) and non-3GPP radio Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), meaning it access technologies, including CDMA, WiMAX, WiFi, manages (QoS), -based charging High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), evolved HRPD (eHRPD), data generation, gating, deep packet inspection, and and ETSI defined TISPAN networks. other functions. Standard Interfaces and Protocols • HRPD Serving Gateway (HSGW)—The HSGW is defined SAE/EPC also supports standard interfaces and open in 3GPP2 to provide the interworking between HRPD protocols aimed at enabling operators to launch services and and EPC networks. The HSGW is part of evolved HRPD applications with Internet-speed, while also reducing the overall (eHRPD), an evolution option for CDMA operators that cost-per-packet through the inherent advantages of going all-IP. ensures converged mobility and management between Standardized interfaces and protocols also enable operators HRPD and LTE networks. to achieve a best-of-breed approach with their network

Page 4 CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Starent Networks, Corp. infrastructure. By eliminating proprietary protocols, operators optional method to interwork HRPD with SAE/EPC networks can operate an open network that empowers them to select the utilizing PMIPv6. vendors they deem most qualified to deliver a specific network Evolution of the Packet Core function without having to worry about interoperability issues. SAE/EPC highlights the growing importance of a common Converged Mobility and Policy Management packet core across multiple access technologies. As many In 2G/3G networks, diverse schemes were used for mobility operators transition from disparate 3G specifications management within the access technology boundary and (UMTS and CDMA2000) to LTE/SAE, there is the potential for across the access technology boundary. So, an operator significant network simplification and cost savings, while also choosing to deploy a 2G access technology of one kind and introducing greater efficiencies within the core network. 3G access technology of a different kind had to deploy two Integrating SAE Core Network Functions divergent mobility management schemes in the same network. The SAE specifications call out the MME, SGW, and PGW as This caused serious issues, and more importantly, impeded specific network functions, but do not define them as separate rapid deployment of some access technologies. 3GPP SAE/EPC nodes in the network. In keeping with the simpler and flatter is an attempt towards addressing this divergent mobility architecture intentions, these three functions can logically be management issue. integrated into one node. However, this will require a solution With a single comprehensive architecture, SAE/EPC supports that is capable of this integration and can deliver the benefits all access technologies i.e., 2G/3G and 4G from all standards of such integration. defining organizations. The basis of this convergence is the For instance, the MME, SGW, and PGW can be combined into use of an IETF defined mobility management protocol such as one carrier-class platform. By collapsing these functions, Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6). If an operator wants to deploy any operators could reduce the signaling overhead, distribute access technology with a 3GPP SAE/EPC core, a single mobility session management, and leverage the control and user management protocol, such as PMIPv6 is all they need. This is plane capabilities of the carrier-class node. a significant step towards building a single common IP core for future access technologies with seamless mobility. This Alternatively, an operator could deploy the MME separate from gives operators the freedom to choose any access technology the combined SGW and PGW, resulting in reduced signaling without having to worry about a complete overhaul of their overhead (S5 and S8 would be internal), fewer hops on the existing IP core or an IP core overlay. bearer path, less backhaul, reduced signaling on the S7/Gx interface, and lower session requirement for the PGW. As part of the evolution to SAE/EPC, 3GPP2 is defining the This also provides for a single location for policy enforcement interworking between LTE and evolved HRPD (eHRPD) as an and charging data generation.

Starent solutions are currently deployed in a variety of mobile networks providing 1xRTT high-speed multimedia networking. AAA/HSS

Access HRPD Network

PDSN Internet

Operator’s IP HA Service Domain

Starent Networks, Corp. CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Page 5 1xRTT As CDMA operators evolve to LTE they will benefit from solutions, such as Starent’s, PDSN/HSGW AAA/HSS that can evolve the existing HRPD core to LTE using eHRPD. Access HRPD Network

eHRPD Internet

IMS

PGW/HA Operator’s IP Service Domain

The advantage of integrating or collapsing functional Since LTE/SAE is becoming the network evolution choice of elements into one carrier-class node is paramount to the many CDMA operators, 3GPP and 3GPP2 are defining inter- goals of simplifying and flattening the network while also working specifications for optimized handover management reducing latency. between 3GPP2 radio access technologies and LTE using EPC as the converged core. Key to this interworking will be seamless Convergence of 3G and 4G Core Networks mobility and handover between the two technologies – one of The concept of collapsing SAE functions can be taken a step the goals of a migration to eHRPD. further. The move to LTE will be an evolution, meaning many 3G, 2., even 2G networks – whether 3GPP or 3GPP2 – will The Starent Difference remain operational for many years to come. Mobile operators Starent Networks brings a history of innovative solutions that can seize this opportunity to combine SAE and eHRPD already meet many of the requirements of LTE and SAE, such as functions with CDMA functions (3GPP2 PSDN, Home Agent), integrated intelligence, simplified network architecture, high easing network migration, reducing signaling overhead, bandwidth performance capabilities, and enhanced mobility. enhancing resource utilization by sharing common session data storage, and improving mobility between 2G/3G and 4G Additionally, mobile operators will benefit from solutions access systems. Most importantly, operators have the potential that can provide 2G/3G functionality now and evolve to 4G to achieve this without a “forklift” upgrade by leveraging their functionality later. Starent’s solutions are capable of supporting existing 3G deployed base. This results in dramatic capital and 2G/3G today, and through software upgrades these solutions operational savings and reduces risk involved in adding a new, are designed to support 4G functionality when LTE networks unproven access technology. are deployed. Furthermore, they are capable of supporting multiple functions in a single node. This allows a single Universal Roaming platform to concurrently act as a 2G/3G and 4G node, By operating 2G/3G and 4G functions on the same core providing a true evolution path. platform for 3GPP and non-3GPP (e.g., CDMA) access systems, the operators can more easily achieve inter-technology The flexibility of Starent’s multimedia core platforms provides handover and universal roaming/interworking between access multiple migration options from 3G/HRPD to 4G/LTE. Options include the phased approach to LTE through eHRPD, and the networks with reduced signaling overhead over-the-air and in cutover approach with co-existing but pure overlay HRPD and the network. With LTE/SAE specifications detailing a common, LTE networks. converged core, universal roaming will be critical.

Page 6 CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Starent Networks, Corp. 1xRTT PDSN/HSGW/ SGW AAA/HSS Starent solutions will address LTE core network functionality in its multi-access, multi-service HRPD Access platform with a software upgrade. Network

eHRPD

Internet LTE

eNodeB E-UTRAN IMS

Operator’s IP MME PGW/HA Service Domain WiFi/ Femto/ Untrusted WiFi/Femto/ Network Other

ePDG

Evolution to LTE through eHRPD The introduction of eHRPD requires the introduction of an Starent is solely focused on the mobile core network. Our HRPD Serving Gateway (HSGW)—the element that provides expertise and experience deploying advanced, intelligent interworking between the HRPD access node and the LTE gateway solutions in many of the world’s top CDMA EPC—and the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). With networks gives Starent a deployed base similar to that the intelligent Starent solution, the existing PDSN can be of many of the industry’s top infrastructure providers and integrated with or upgraded to the HSGW while the PGW positions us well for the migration to LTE. can be integrated with or upgraded from the existing HA (or provided as a separate node)—through a simple One of the key issues in the evolution from existing HRPD software upgrade. networks to the LTE EPC is that, as currently defined, the two networks will be overlay networks. New LTE RAN and packet While eHRPD will be attractive to many operators, Starent also core networks must be rolled out from day one, limiting supports migrating directly to LTE from HRPD. In addition, the interworking between the LTE and HRPD networks. This results flexibility of the platform also enables a CDMA mobile operator in no seamless mobility for customers, or sharing of common to optionally migrate first to UMTS before going to LTE. functions such as policy, charging, and authentication. Integration of Multiple Core Functions Today’s mobile subscribers are used to a seamless service With an adaptable solution, Starent does not require operators experience, which would require LTE networks being rolled to perform “forklift” upgrades when evolving to LTE whether out widely from day one, or finding a way for the LTE and through eHRPD or directly from HRPD to LTE. Starent’s HRPD networks to work together. 3GPP2 is defining such an systems—whether deployed as PDSN, Home Agent, or interworking method by evolving existing HRPD networks to Packet Data Interworking Function (PDIF)—are designed to LTE through a step called evolved HRPD (eHRPD). be integrated with or upgraded to eHRPD and LTE functional elements—MME, HSGW, SGW, PGW, and ePDG—through a By migrating existing HRPD networks to eHRPD as the first step simple software upgrade. If the eHRPD evolution path is taken, towards LTE, CDMA operators are able to provide a phased the final step to LTE in the core network is to add the MME migration. CDMA operators are able to upgrade a portion of the and upgrade the existing HSGW to an SGW. core network to EPC elements without an overlay RAN network (and they can phase in the RAN over time). The mobile operator The integration of both 2G/3G and 4G core network functions obtains many features of LTE plus gains the benefit of being is an ideal solution for operators looking to achieve capital and able to interwork the eHRPD network with the LTE network. operational efficiencies along their upgrade path. For example,

Starent Networks, Corp. CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Page 7 a single node acting as a co-located PDSN/HSGW/SGW and a Architecture Philosophy node acting as a co-located PGW/HA can serve both the 2G/3G The LTE/SAE architecture calls for the separation of the network and 4G network. At the same time, Starent’s solution control and bearer planes into different functional elements offers the flexibility to decouple functions when the network (as previously outlined). Starent brings a high level of traffic and density grows. With substantial 2G/3G core expertise in call control and packet forwarding within a investments already in place, operators can ease their 4G multimedia core network. evolution by gradually converting existing 2G/3G systems into combined 2G/3G/4G systems, and ultimately 4G only. Starent’s multimedia core platforms utilize a distributed This integrated solution will also simplify 2G/3G to architecture that combines high performance processing, 4G roaming capabilities. significant memory, and a powerful switch fabric to more intelligently and reliably handle mobile sessions. In these Intelligence in the Network systems, call control and packet forwarding paths are Key to creating and delivering high bandwidth multimedia separated on different control and data switch fabrics. This services in 2G/3G and 4G networks and meeting subscriber reduces traffic flow inefficiencies, diminishes latency, and demand—is our solution’s ability to recognize different ensures faster call setup time and handoffs. traffic flows. This allows it to shape and manage bandwidth, while interacting with applications to a very fine degree and Standards Initiatives delivering the Quality of Service (QoS) required. The system As a market leader in multimedia core networking, does this through its session intelligence that utilizes deep Starent Networks has taken an active role in 3GPP, 3GPP2, packet inspection technology, service steering, and intelligent WiMAX, IETF, and NGMN in helping ensure the SAE standard traffic control to dynamically monitor and control sessions contains the requirements that allow operators to select the on a per subscriber/per-flow basis. best-of-breed solutions in order to deliver a true, carrier-class wireless broadband network. As an example of our contribution, Our solution’s interaction with and understanding of key Starent is the key contributor, co-author, and strong advocate elements within the multimedia call—devices, applications, of the core mobility management protocol in SAE—PMIPv6. transport mechanisms, policies—assists in the service Starent is also leveraging its extensive expertise in multi- creation process by: technology interoperability in taking a lead on interworking • Intelligent QoS control based on service type, user profile, requirements among access technologies, including eHRPD, and business policy WiMAX, and LTE among others. • Visibility of the access technology type in the SAE nodes. Starent made significant contributions in 3GPP2 for defining The PGW can automatically adapt QoS for ongoing sessions, eHRPD enabling evolution and mobility management between for example when the performs a handover eHRPD and LTE networks. Also, Starent made significant between LTE and CDMA contributions in 3GPP SAE for defining procedures for • Providing a greater degree of information granularity between access technologies using multiple and flexibility for billing, network planning, and types of mobility management schemes and combinations usage trend analysis of access technologies.

• Sharing information with external application servers that Furthermore, Starent is the primary contributor to NGMN’s perform value-added processing converged mobility initiative in Project 5. Starent continues • Exploiting user-specific attributes to launch unique to lead standards development in IETF that are essential in applications on a per-subscriber basis fulfilling the promise of 3GPP SAE in the areas of mobility • Extending mobility management information to management, optimized handover, fast handover, transition non-mobility aware applications scenario handling, and AAA. • Enabling policy, charging, and Quality of Service (QoS) features

Page 8 CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Starent Networks, Corp. GLOSSARY IP: IPTV: Internet Protocol Television 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project LSTI: LTE-SAE Trial Initiative 3GPP2: 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 LTE: Long Term Evolution AAA: Authentication, Authorization, Accounting MBMS: Multimedia Broadcast Service aGW: Access Gateway MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output AMF: Access Management Function MME: Mobility Management Entity ARIB: Association of Radio Industries and Businesses NGMN: Next Generation Mobile Networks ATIS: Alliance for Industry Solutions OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division AWS: Advanced Wireless Services OPEX: Operational Expenditure BS: Base Station PAPR: Peak to Average Power Ratio BSC: Base Station Controller PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect BSS: Base Station Subsystem PCF: Policy Control Function BTS: PCEF: Policy and Charging Enforcement Function CAPEX: Capital Expenditure PCRF: Policing and Charging Rules Function C-BGF: Core Boarder Gateway Function PDG: Packet Data Gateway CCSA: China Communications Standards Association PGW/PDN-GW: Packet Data Network Gateway CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access PDSN: Packet Data Serving Node CDMA2000: Code Division Multiple Access 2000 PMIPv6: Proxy Mobile IPv6 DAB: Digital Audio Broadcast PS: Packet Switched DPI: Deep Packet Inspection PSTN: Public Switched Network DSL: QoS: Quality of Service DVB: Digital Video Broadcast RAN: Radio eHRPD: evolved High Rate Packet Data RNC: eHSPA: evolved SAE: System Architecture Evolution eNode B: enhanced Node B SAE GW: System Architecture Evolution Gateway EPC: Evolved Packet Core SC-FDMA: Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access ePDG: Evolved Packet Data Gateway SGSN: Serving GPRS Support Node ETSI: European Standards Institute SGW: Serving Gateway FDD: Frequency Division Duplex SMS: Short Message Service FMC: Fixed Mobile Convergence TDD: Time Division Duplex GGSN: Gateway GPRS Service Node TTA: Telecommunications Technology Association GSM: Global System for Mobile communication TTC: Telecommunication Technology Committee HA: Home Agent TTI: Transmission Time Interval HLR: Home Location Register UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System HRPD: High Rate Packet Data UTRA: Universal Terrestrial Radio Access HSPA: High Speed Packet Access UTRAN: Universal Terrestrial HSS: Home Subscriber Server VoIP: Voice over IP IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers WCDMA: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access IMS: IP Multimedia Subsystem WLAN: Wireless

Resources 1. UMTS Forum whitepaper: “Towards Global : Standardizing the future of mobile communications with LTE (Long Term Evolution)”, February 2008 2. 3GPP Americas whitepaper: “UMTS Evolution from 3GPP Release 7 to Release 8 HSPA and SAE/LTE”, December 2007 3. , Incorporated whitepaper: “Evolved Packet System (EPS): An Overview of 3GPP’s Network Evolution”, December 2007

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Starent Networks, Corp. CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Page 11 SUMMARY The deployment of LTE is another step in the evolution of the mobile network. While the deployment of 4G radio access networks receives considerable attention, the multimedia core network has emerged as a critical element in the delivery of next generation mobile broadband services. As such, mobile operators are looking for solutions that can address today’s requirements while positioning them for future technologies.

At Starent Networks, our entire focus is on the multimedia core network and the challenges it presents for our mobile operator customers. We have led the industry with intelligent, high-performance solutions that have changed the packet core environment. We will continue to leverage our experience and expertise to deliver best-of-breed solutions that evolve the mobile operator network and help deliver on the promise of the mobile Internet.

Starent Networks, Corp. 30 International Place Tewksbury, MA 01876 T: +1-978-851-1100 F: +1-978-640-6825 www.starentnetworks.com

Starent Networks maintains offices and development centers around the world. For the latest contact information, please go to http://www.starentnetworks.com/en/about/global-presence/default.cfm

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Page 12 CDMA, Evolving to LTE with Starent Networks Starent Networks, Corp.