NFV monitoring - proof of concept success

Network Monitoring in NFV Environments

The ability to monitor network service level agreements (SLAs) and customer experience are critical requirements in telecoms networks. As Communication Service Providers (CSPs) move to NFV, they need to effectively deploy Service Assurance solutions that can help uncover the blind spots introduced by the dynamics of virtualized environments. The virtualized, integrated solution demonstrated by Anritsu and Ixia enables O2 Czech to rapidly adopt NFV and conform to SLAs with an “operations first” focus.

The PoC was built using Anritsu’s MasterClaw vProbe solution for traffic capture and real-time processing, together with Ixia’s Phantom Virtualization Tap (vTap) for breakthrough visibility and control of traffic flowing between virtual machines. The setup was done in both lab and production environments and was successfully validated against a physical MasterClaw Probe proving that CSPs can now ensure the same exceptional customer experience, obtain the same network insights and maintain the same troubleshooting capabilities regardless of the underlying platform – physical or virtual.

Anritsu MasterClaw vProbe is a high performance, auto-configured, passive virtual probe that captures and correlates incoming network traffic creating easy to understand call session data records (CSDRs). Part of MasterClaw Multi-Dimensional Assurance solution, it enables the generation of actionable insights via real-time dashboards and next generation customer experience big-data analytics and reports.

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“Anritsu and O2 Czech Republic have a long lasting partnership and recently signed a 5 year agreement focusing on Anritsu’s Multi-Dimensional Assurance Solution. This PoC proves that Anritsu is committed to being the right partner for O2, always in sync with our customer’s plans, supporting and leading the way for operationalizing their NFV deployments” Mr. Neil Tomlinson, COO at Anritsu Service Assurance.”

Ixia’s Phantom Virtualization Tap with TapFlow™ enables proactive monitoring for security, availability and performance with total visibility of inter-VM traffic in NFV deployments. The Phantom solution provides centralized management with an easy-to-use web user interface for total access and control of security and performance monitoring needs.

“Ixia’s collaboration with Anritsu and O2 clearly demonstrates that the ability to capture, correlate and analyse subscriber experience in mobile carrier networks is possible in NFV environments today," said Scott Westlake, Vice President of Business Development at Ixia. “The use of Ixia’s virtual network taps in concert with Anristu’s MasterClaw platform solves an immediate challenge for carriers seeking to migrate key network functions to NFV.”

O2 Czech is recognized as a technological leader in the Czech market and early adopter of new technologies, offering their customers the latest features and functionalities available in the market while running an efficient and carefully maintained network.

“The success of the PoC gave us confidence in the capabilities and forward-looking strategy of Anritsu and their partners, re-confirming our sound decision to engage them as a long term partner. Network Functions Virtualization is a strategic initiative for O2 and having the right tools to monitor the NFV network is a must for us” said Mr. Jakob Votava, Director of Networks at O2 Czech Republic a.s.