China Mobile used EXFO for performance verification test to confirm NFV-based networks support NB-IoT devices

EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) said that China Mobile Communications Corp. (CMCC) used its test system to successfully complete a performance verification test for core networks from four vendors to confirm that the NFV-based networks can individually support 5 million narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) devices.

China Mobile chose EXFO's test system, which covered all the test requirements, for its capacity to simulate millions of IoT devices on one single server, simplifying network configuration for powerful performance, the company says. China Mobile also selected the system for its adaptability to transforming specifications and specific requirements, and for its network coverage from end to end, including a focus on individual nodes, EXFO adds.

Communication service providers have been preparing to roll out this service in their networks since ratification of NB-IoT specification in June 2016, says EXFO. To accommodate the immensecapacity required by the millions of IoT devices, providers areenhancing their network by deploying added features.

"Communication service providers have to ensure that new IoT equipment introduced into the network will be compatible with existing network nodes before they go live," said Claudio Mazzuca, EXFO's vice president, systems and analytics. "Through our local presence, we were able to deliver quick turnaround times to adapt to CMCC's specific requirements. Our test systems come with unmatched flexibility giving them an edge in today's rapidly transforming telecom landscape."

According to EXFO, accommodation of IoT traffic differs from that of traditional mobile broadband or VoLTE traffic, demanding equipment and network validation to ensure that the experience quality end users need is delivered, and additional cost incurred from post-deployment faults is prevented.

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