High-performance packet processing, security, and network infrastructure firm Adax is claiming that current LTE signaling infrastructure is insufficient for the imminent wave in 4G uptake.
With analyst firm Strategy Analytics forecasting that LTE subscribers will hit one billion worldwide by 2017, operators are facing a serious signaling issue due to this rapidly rising number of users causing a potential bottleneck in the LTE signaling network, according to Adax.
"We hear a lot about spikes in data traffic, and it's an important issue, but operators should be more concerned with the inadequate signaling network technology that's being used," said Robin Kent, director of Adax Europe.
"The problem is not only the data crunch on the network, but that there is an inherent problem with effective signaling infrastructure, one that if left unattended will present a serious problem for operators. Diameter signaling solutions will deliver an improved architecture to enable an optimum customer experience on the LTE network."
To help support operators with this signaling issue, Adax has launched its new Diameter signaling solution designed to deliver respite to the core network, which will become heavily congested due increased LTE/IMS nodes in the flat All-IP network, says the firm.
Diameter is an essential signaling protocol in today's LTE and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks. The Diameter protocol will be widely used for policy and charging applications in LTE as well as authentication, authorisation and accounting (AAA) and mobility management in IMS.
Kent added: "As consumers switch to 4G in volume, the network will come under greater pressure. Developing the right signaling infrastructure now will allow operators to deal with sudden explosions in traffic and cope with the increased signaling levels."