As networks evolve and start migrating increasingly to mobile infrastructure, much of the core functionality of these networks will also evolve. Along with the seemingly limitless opportunities introduced by mobile networks, there are a series of existing issues that will remain and an entirely new set of issues to overcome. These include, but are not limited to:

• A faster mobile Internet for the best possible customer experience
• Greater spectrum efficiency of the most finite resources in the network
• Single vendor support for 3G and 4G networks
• Complete visibility into network activity and customer trends
• Full support for emerging networking requirements around IPv6, DNSSEC, etc.
• Development of subscriber affinity services to create loyalty through stickiness

In addition to the network changes associated with moving from a wired to a wireless infrastructure, the pure network complexity is being addressed at the same time these networks are experiencing hyper growth. This growth is only expected to increase as providers move from their existing 3G networks to an All-IP 4G structure. The combination of changing technology and unprecedented growth is creating the perfect storm for Mobile Service Providers.

These solutions have been designed to ensure Mobile Service Providers can take advantage of the DNS and DHCP in a way that is specific to their needs. While there will be some providers who choose to build their solutions from Nominum’s product suite, the following solutions are designed to address specific business problems leveraging a combination of those products. They are:

Mobile Packet Core
The Mobile Packet Core Solution has been developed as the flagship offering for Mobile Service Providers. It is the first offering of its kind to seamlessly integrate standard caching and authoritative DNS services into a single holistic solution providing all of the DNS functionality needed in existing 3G networks and cutting edge 4G networks.

Network and Service Visibility
As networks advance and mobile customers consume more and more data and services, the need for visibility also increases. Considering that all customer activity and an increasing quantity of core network activity touches the DNS, there is a wealth of information that can be gathered. Whether it’s a Marketing person looking for customer behavior trends, an Operations person looking for growth in network activity in preparation for expansion or an Engineering person trying to understand the impacts of IPv6, the information needed is resident in the DNS and this solution brings that out in a fully hosted manner. This ensures that any authorized person at a Mobile Service Provider can have anywhere/anytime access to the information they need either from a mobile device or from a wired desktop browser.

Subscriber Affinity
Nominum has taken the DNS to a place typically not considered with the introduction of the myi Subscriber Affinity Solution. With myi, Mobile Service Providers can offer customers an opt-in service for all devices connected to their network. This solution spans a variety of functions including security from viruses and phishing attacks, parental control constructs, and personality capabilities to allow customers to communicate with one another in new and interesting ways. This solution is entirely network-based with no need for any device-based application installation. Because it’s network-based, it can apply to any device connected to the 3G or 4G network using the same or individualized policies across devices and customers.

Spectrum Efficiency
The first step to more efficient use of spectrum is decreasing latency. As a pure product, Vantio is designed for just that. However, to create a full end-to-end Spectrum Efficiency Solution, Nominum enhanced Vantio with policy software and hosted services to better utilize this vital asset. With the Spectrum Efficiency Solution, Nominum provides a wholly network-based solution that requires no direct contact with the mobile device. This solution prevents malicious activity generated by bots and further enables providers to quarantine abusive or infected customers.

Mobile Service Providers must consider the network as a core asset at every step. The ability to deliver the service customers demand relies on a network that is more than just up and running. It must always be running at peak performance. Whereas the DNS may have historically been considered a generic function in networking, the reliance on IP, especially in mobile networks, has pushed the importance of the DNS to new heights. Low latency is not simply an operational benefit. It is now something that drives customer satisfaction and network efficiency to the point that offerings which cannot deliver extremely low latency can slow the network to a crawl or even prevent the introduction of high-demand new services.

Nominum understands the DNS and can provide a suite of products and purpose-built solutions designed and optimized for the needs of the new mobile Internet.