Intracom Telecom Deploys StreetNode Platform to MTN for Trial in South Africa

Intracom Telecom, a global telecommunication systems and solutions vendor, has completed the live field trial of StreetNode, its SON (Self Organizing Network) based Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) platform, implemented by MTN’s South African operation.

MTN is a digital and telecommunication service provider operating in 22 countries across Africa and the Middle East. Intracom Telecom is a supplier of PtMP solutions to MTN Group.

The trial took place in Johannesburg and the aim was to evaluate the platform’s unique capabilities to provide the most advanced high-quality and high-availability services to MTN’s enterprise customers. MTN was assessing ease of deployment and the capability of the platform.

The StreetNode™ solution was tested in both lab environment and external network, and the platform’s software-defined operation allowed activation and reconfiguration in the field in Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) mode, demonstrating unparalleled flexibility.

While traditional PtMP technology only allows homing to a single base station, the trial successfully proved that StreetNode™ automatically reconnects to alternative base stations in the event of the primary base station failing, thus re-establishing connectivity for subscribers rapidly.

The trial also confirmed that non-technical telecom engineers could install and commission the StreetNode™ unit quickly and easily, even at night, assisted greatly by the unique auto-alignment feature of the platform.

Navindran Naidoo, Chief Technology Officer at MTN Group, stated: “StreetNode™ demonstrated the same features as its traditional WIBAS™ PtMP platform, but StreetNode’s auto-alignment feature and capability to automatically reconnect to an alternative base station when needed, is certainly an advanced feature.”

John Tenidis, Marketing Director of Intracom Telecom's wireless solutions, stated: “This was a great opportunity to supply our StreetNode™ to MTN and demonstrate our capabilities to continuously innovate and provide solutions to customers that are in need of differentiated services. We are pleased to work with MTN and look forward to further contributing to their critical projects with our products and services.”

The company has been active in the South African market since 2010 and has extensive experience in the design, implementation and support of PtMP networks in Africa. Intracom Telecom innovates in the PtMP field featuring its SON-capable StreetNode™ platform, which is designed to implement any type of network architecture through software-defined radio operation. The platform’s highly-compact form factor together with street friendly aesthetics, allow the platform to blend invisibly with street level furniture.