Lucent launches new HLR

Lucent Technologies has added the Flexent Super-Distributed Home Location Register (SDHLR) to its Flexent line of mobile network gear. The product initially is targeted at UMTS networks, but also will support converged services across multiple protocols, including IP-based networks, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000 varieties and Wi-Fi.

The platform maintains subscriber profiles and user location information, and handles tasks such as user authentication for both voice and data services on 3G networks. However, the Flexent SDHLR supports more users on a smaller hardware footprint with lower operational expense than traditional HLRs, said Roger Derrien, vice president of UMTS and Intelligent Networks product management for Lucent's Mobility Solutions Group.

The product’s multi-protocol support is based on a Bell Labs-developed software architecture called Common Operations (COPS). In future releases, the platform will provide both the MAP-based signalling required in a UMTS/W-CDMA or GSM network, and inter-working with the ANSI-41 signalling networks used in CDMA2000 networks. For service providers with mixed overlay networks, this will allow roaming without requiring external gateways.

The COPS architecture also will allow the Flexent SDHLR to support voice over IP services by providing a home subscriber server functionality for networks incorporating IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) packet switching standard.

"As subscribers start using multiple devices or dual-mode handsets on different access networks, the SDHLR will ensure that calls are automatically routed to the appropriate network and device, based on user preferences and network presence," said Krishan Sabnani, vice president of the Bell Labs Networking Research Laboratory.

The unified subscriber profile data will allow for easy subscriber management and provisioning of new services—especially useful as more carriers look to provide Wi-Fi services to their mobile subscribers. The Flexent SDHLR will ensure that subscribers always have access to the same voice and high-speed data services provided by their home carriers.

The platform is currently involved in 3G UMTS pilot network trials with customers including AT&T Wireless in Miami, Telefonica Moviles in Spain, and T-Mobile in Germany.