Mobile core wars

"Starent has always made the argument that you don't need to integrate one vendors solution from radio to transport — that many vendors can provide many pieces," he said. "They've been very successful with that approach, and they've done a lot of marketing to educate the market on why that approach works."

That domain approach technically opens up a new door for the end-to-end vendors: They can sell elements into a carriers network even if they fail to win the radio contract. NSN is supplying its IP multimedia subsystem architecture to Verizon Wireless, even though it's not deploying the LTE RAN. But Jarich believes the vendors would much rather see a return of the old ways. They'd rather sell whole networks rather than pieces, and even if they fail to win every piece, they can still vie for the role of systems integrator, responsible for the deployment of the network as a whole instead of just supplying boxes, Jarich said.

That's why vendors are investing so much into creating unique and powerful packet core solutions, Jarich said. They not only want to match specialty platforms like Starent and Tellabs-WiChorus' feature for feature; they're looking at the bigger picture. The packet core may not bring in the same money as RAN deployment, but it provides a critical link between the RAN and other elements of the network. (It's no coincidence that Cisco and Tellbabs have major interests in the backhaul and transport.) The core is also becoming a much more central repository of intelligence in the network. Instead of merely pushing packets, the core is where new features such as quality of service, policy management and deep packet inspection will reside.

"The core is simply becoming a bigger focus for the vendors," Jarich said. "You can't take the attitude that the data traffic is exploding and data services are becoming more sophisticated and then not have a robust mobile core."

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Alcatel-Lucent: Starting from scratch with 4G, designing its LTE evolved packet core using its IP division 7750 Service Router

Cisco: Cisco has built P-gateways and S-gateways using its router platforms, but with the acquisition of Starent Networks it will likely focus on its purpose-built ST40 platform for both 3G and 4G

Ericsson: It's partnership with Juniper ends at 3G. Instead it's using Redback SmartEdge technology to build its gateways.

NSN: While evolving its 3G technology for the LTE core, it is redesigning on the Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture to give it extra kick on the control plane

Tellabs: Bought WiMax gateway specialist WiChorus and plans to use its technology to enter LTE market as well as use augment its backhaul products