How Internet service providers benefit from implementing BNG software solution?

Artem Tereschenko — CBDO of VAS Experts, shared his thoughts about the technical advantages of BNG software solutions and how they help telecom operators to optimize the budget and not to depend on equipment.

● Software vs. hardware BNG solutions for operators

It cannot be said that they are clearly superior to each other, as both have unique features.

Firstly, software BNG is not tied to hardware, so clients can save on network development, optimization, and maintenance. This is especially important for companies, which are looking to reduce hardware and vendors.

Secondly, software-based BNGs have a longer lifecycle. These solutions do not become obsolete along with the hardware and can easily migrate to another hardware platform. They are also easily scalable and can be used almost indefinitely. While hardware solutions fail or become obsolete, software solutions continue to have a lifecycle.

● Specifics of the BNG software installation process

Installation of software solutions is a fast procedure. Customers may already have a virtualization environment or free hardware on which they can install the software solution without physical contact with the vendor.  

 Software BNG is not tied to hardware, so clients can save on network development, optimization, and maintenance. This is especially important for companies looking to reduce hardware and vendors. 

But there are also some disadvantages. Since there are so many hardware vendors, there may be difficulties during the installation due to the specifics of the particular hardware. Also, software solutions sometimes need to be configured from scratch during installation. At the same time, a hardware system can be purchased already configured.

● How does an operator benefit from using a software BNG?

These benefits can be divided into three types. 

1. The speed of installation and integration. 

There were cases when customers needed to launch the solution urgently. This usually happens when the situation is drastically changing, and the current configuration not fits the operator’s need anymore for various reasons. We can literally put our BNG on any suitable server in one day and implement it quickly.

2. A convenient and seamless migration. 

If the task is not urgent (the network expansion goes in stages), we help a client to migrate gradually by using a temporary license, which is then replaced by the main license and this way ensures uninterrupted operation.

3. Customizable functionality. 

Since we use CPU power, we can add new features regardless of what the client originally bought. Some APCs can't handle the growth in functionality because they were optimized for a certain code. On the other hand, the performance of software solutions grows along with CPU performance.

● Tasks that the operator can solve with the BNG software

Of course, there are specific tasks that should be solved with certain hardware. For example, if you need to install a device that will work as a router or switch, there is no need to install a smart service gateway with a CPU-powered software solution. Instead, you can choose a low-cost hardware and software solution specifically designed for this particular task.

● Advantages of VAS Experts’ software solutions for operators

First, stability of operation. We've already had over 1,500 successful installations of our solutions and we carefully study customer feedback, which helps us to improve our software continuously.

Secondly, we specialize exclusively in the operator market, which allows us to more efficiently solve problems faced by providers. 

Third, relevance. Our solution supports the latest versions of processors, network cards and technologies. 

Fourth, support. We provide quality post-sales support, helping customers during software implementation and during operation.

Finally, the cost of licenses for our solutions is relevant and optimal for most operators. Our prices are not the lowest in the market, but we provide the best value for money.