Keysight Technologies and Vodafone Join Forces to Revolutionize 5G Software Deployment

The newly developed automated testing platform promises to drastically improve Vodafone's operational efficiency. Since its initial implementation, Vodafone has reported a remarkable 75% reduction in the time needed to introduce software upgrades to its core voice infrastructure. What previously took months can now be accomplished in just days, marking a significant advancement in how telecom operators can manage their networks.

Vodafone's core voice infrastructure, which consists of nearly 160 nodes, supports critical services including cellular voice and voice over Wi-Fi. The enhanced agility provided by the automated testing platform enables Vodafone to adapt swiftly to regulatory and compliance changes, thereby maintaining service quality and reliability.

As the deployment of cloud-native 5G Standalone core technology accelerates across Europe, the frequency and complexity of software releases are expected to rise. The new automated testing platform positions Vodafone favorably to meet these challenges, allowing for quick checks and deployments of updates from multiple equipment vendors. This approach is particularly vital for maintaining service quality while addressing any potential bugs before they affect customers.

Fragkiskos Vellis, Head of Core Enablers and Solutions at Vodafone, emphasized the necessity of this automation: “Cloud-based core 5G standalone networks are highly programmable and responsive engines driving new features like network slicing. However, these advancements introduce added complexity. Our new automated testing platform developed with Spirent allows us to check and deploy software at scale.”

Dougie Rankin, Vice President of International Sales at Spirent, noted the critical nature of automated testing in today’s fast-paced telecom landscape. “Vodafone recognized the importance of automated testing due to the speed and frequency at which modern disaggregated networks need to be updated. By working with Spirent to fully automate its testing capabilities, Vodafone is now able to accelerate delivery of new network products, version upgrades, and features to its customers, while ensuring strict compliance and benefitting from efficiency gains.”

The collaboration has resulted in an automated testing platform that integrates seamlessly into Vodafone’s lab-to-live lifecycle process. This includes continuous integration and continuous deployment, allowing for uninterrupted testing and reliable software releases. The platform supports a new cadence of software implementations every three months from vendors across all markets.

The partnership between Keysight Technologies through Spirent and Vodafone marks a pivotal moment in the telecom industry. By harnessing the power of automated testing, Vodafone is not only enhancing its operational efficiency but is also paving the way for a more responsive, agile, and robust telecommunications network in an increasingly dynamic market. As the demand for 5G connectivity surges, this innovative approach sets a new standard for how telecom providers can meet the challenges of modern network management.