SmartAIR ESP extends globally-deployed Vasona appliance capabilities to more network applications and infrastructure environments. The software-based architecture virtualizes Vasona SmartAIR(TM) functionality for network and business agility in support of radio access network (RAN) transformation initiatives. Vasona Networks is also exposing APIs that let third-party application developers access RAN characteristics and traffic functions, such as details about real-time cell congestion conditions.
"Rapid traffic growth and initiatives to better leverage existing investments are driving the mobile industry towards a future powered by intelligent edge computing platforms that bring new capabilities online fast," says Rui Frazao, CTO of Vasona Networks. "SmartAIR ESP's virtualized architecture unlocks the capabilities of existing networks to accelerate this future's arrival, advancing Vasona Networks' leadership in growing the volume, diversity and performance of mobile applications and content."
The SmartAIR Edge Services Platform is a software layer that runs on NFV-based infrastructure available from third-party partners. It can host the company's traffic management application, Dynamic RateControl with Feedback for overcoming effects of congestion, and Vasona Mobile Packet Assurance for speeding recovery from packet loss and improving utilization. The Vasona SmartAIR appliance and the SmartAIR ESP provide the same functionality and applications across a mixed RAN vendor environment. Trials of SmartAIR ESP will begin during 2016.
An important aspect of Vasona Networks' virtualization initiative is API-based access to key Vasona SmartAIR functions. At launch, this will include data pertaining to cell loading, traffic load monitoring relative to real-time capacity, and assessment of traffic by application type within cells. Vasona Networks is working with third-party application developers to enhance additional network services based on this information and will continue to release APIs in support of intelligent, flexible and scalable infrastructure operations.