Alcatel-Lucent upgrades China Mobile’s IP core and metro networks to meet next decade of data demand

Paris, France, December 07, 2015

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is to deploy its powerful 7950 XRS IP Core Router in China Mobile’s CMNET – its national IP backbone network serving the world’s largest subscriber base - and metro networks. This will enable the operator to meet the growing needs of its 820 million subscribers with high-speed and quality over the next decade of increased data demand.

Adoption of 4G LTE wireless and cloud-based video services, as well as increasing application of the ‘Internet of Things’ will drive unprecedented levels of data traffic over China Mobile’s network in the future – with capacity expected to reach 180 terabits by 2017 and 500 terabits by 2020.

To prepare for this growth into the next decade, China Mobile aims to simplify its network structure and optimize costs. Application of Alcatel-Lucent’s IP routing technology will provide a flexible, intelligent network, allowing China Mobile to meet it’s goals under the Broadband China plan while delivering high-capacity scalable business and residential services.

This latest development is an expansion of Alcatel-Lucent’s 7950 XRS Core Router deployment in China Mobile’s next generation Ethernet network. Deployment will be completed toward the end of 2016.

Key Facts :

• Alcatel-Lucent is deploying its highly versatile 7950 XRS IP Core Router portfolio, to provide a flexible, scalable, high-capacity and intelligent network with a simplified structure. With the possibility to evolve to a 400G Ethernet interface in its core backbone network, the application of the 7950 XRS will allow China Mobile to meet the next decade of customer data demand and pave the way for the future expansion of high-quality cloud-services while optimizing costs.
• The versatility of the 7950 XRS, allows it to address multiple networking roles with a common hardware platform. The XRS is deployed in over 50 networks worldwide.
• This agreement expands on terms announced in October 2014 of Alcatel-Lucent’s selection as the sole supplier for the China Mobile 2014 high-performance Ethernet router central bid. In July, Alcatel-Lucent announced it would advance China Mobile’s move to the cloud using ultra-broadband access, IP networking and NFV technology.
• The China Broadband Plan aims to provide broadband access to all urban and rural areas by 2020 with a minimum of 50 Mbps in urban areas and 12 Mbps in rural areas.

Quote :

YUAN Xin, Chairman and CEO of Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell said :

“This contract continues our strategic collaboration with China Mobile in the IP domain. Leveraging the XRS core technology in its IP backbone network will enable China Mobile to meet the evolving demands of its rapidly growing subscriber base. The application of our IP edge portfolio will strengthen both China Mobile’s backhaul capabilities and drive new capacity in the metro networks to meet the next decade of demand.”