Customer case

Optimizing application hosting and management tools for 5G Network

Thu 08 Aug 2024

Telecom operators are constantly innovating to offer superior quality services while optimizing costs. A leading telecom operator called upon Sofrecom to set up a secure zone dedicated to hosting applications and management tools for its 5G network. This project aimed to reduce operating costs, improve security and reliability, and increase agility in product lifecycle management.

Methodology implemented by our experts

The methodology adopted by Sofrecom for this mission was rigorous and structured, guaranteeing the success of the project. Here are the key steps of this methodology

  1. Design and construction of the virtualization platform: the first step was to design and build a stable and secure virtualization platform based on VMware products. This platform had to be able to host monitoring and management applications for the 5G network. The objective was to create a robust infrastructure that could evolve with the growing needs of the 5G mobile network.
  2. Platform sizing: an in-depth study was carried out to size the platform according to the growth assumptions of the 5G mobile network and future needs. This step ensured that the platform could support a significant increase in traffic and applications without compromising performance.
  3. Automation of workflows and IT processes: to improve operational efficiency, Sofrecom implemented tools for automating workflows and IT processes, including vRA (vRealize Automation) and vRO (vRealize Orchestrator). These tools reduced manual interventions, minimized potential errors, and accelerated deployments.
  4. Virtualization of IT infrastructure: the virtualization of the IT infrastructure was carried out using NSX-T and vSAN. This step created a flexible and scalable infrastructure, capable of responding quickly to the changing needs of the 5G network.
  5. Capacity study and needs assessment: a capacity study was conducted to estimate resource and performance requirements. This analysis defined the technical specifications necessary to guarantee optimal platform performance.
  6. Definition of technical specifications: the technical specifications were defined in collaboration with VMware experts. This step ensured that the platform would meet performance, security, and reliability requirements.
  7. Identification of data and benchmarks: Data and benchmarks were identified to track platform performance and ensure it met expectations. These measurements served as the basis for necessary adjustments and optimizations.
  8. Following VMware recommendations and best practices: throughout the project, VMware recommendations and best practices were followed to guarantee the quality and reliability of the platform.
  9. Co-construction of the target infrastructure with VMware experts: the target infrastructure was co-constructed with VMware experts, guaranteeing seamless integration of VMware solutions and optimal performance.

Client benefits

The benefits brought by Sofrecom to our client through this mission are numerous and significant

  1. Reduced operating costs: through the automation of workflows and IT processes, the operator was able to reduce operating costs by minimizing manual interventions and optimizing resource utilization.
  2. Greater agility in product lifecycle management: the implementation of a flexible and scalable virtualization platform has enabled the client to manage its product lifecycle more efficiently. Deployments are now faster, and adjustments can be made in real-time.
  3. Increased security and reliability: the design of a secure and stable platform based on VMware products has improved the security and reliability of Orange France's 5G network. VMware best practices and recommendations have been followed to ensure optimal protection against threats and failures.
  4. Optimized performance: the capacity study and needs assessment have made it possible to optimally size the platform, thus guaranteeing high performance even in the event of a sharp increase in traffic.
  5. Scalability: virtualizing the IT infrastructure with NSX-T and vSAN has created a scalable infrastructure capable of adapting quickly to the changing needs of the 5G network.

The mission carried out by Sofrecom for this operator has made it possible to set up a secure zone for hosting applications and management tools for the 5G network. Thanks to a rigorous methodology and close collaboration with VMware experts, Sofrecom has succeeded in reducing operating costs, improving security and reliability, and increasing agility for the client.