How TCP/IP Optimization Can Enhance Network Profitability for Operators

As telecom operators find it increasingly difficult to manage multiple set of technologies while they embrace next gen 4G communication standards, TCP/IP optimization techniques can derive better value out of their network investments. Jane Walerud, CEO, Teclo Networks interacts with Zia Askari from TelecomDrive.com on how TCP/IP optimization can reinvent network monetizing for operators.

What are the key focus areas for Teclo Networks today?

Teclo Networks focuses on making networks faster and more efficient. We make TCP traffic flow much faster through all kinds of networks: mobile and fixed line, operators and enterprise. TCP traffic comprises something like 90-95% of all network traffic today, and the proportion is growing. Teclo also can compress images; when that option is enabled, the amount of traffic passing through the network is significantly reduced.

Today's operators are juggling between embracing next generation technology such as 4G LTE and yet there are technologies such as WiFi which seem to be finding its way inside the networks. Isn't this increasing the complexity of telecoms for operators today?

Yes, certainly the amount of traffic is growing very quickly, and the number of different kinds of networks operators handle is also growing. That combination definitely increases complexity for mobile operators.

That increased complexity does not impact Teclo Networks and our solutions; they accelerate any network. Parameters dependent on the type of network - round trip times, timeouts, etc. - are set automatically.

Mobile networks are becoming increasingly complex and operators have lots of plates to keep spinning. 4G and LTE are double edged swords. Yes, it delivers richer content but as a result operators have to manage the demand for higher data usage. WiFi is one way to ease congestion, but techniques like TCP/IP optimization are effective ways to deliver increased speeds and enhance the subscriber's user experience.

What are the key geographies that you are keen on? How do you look at the Indian market?

We are very interested in the APAC market; establishing our first office outside Europe in Asia proves this. That was in mid-2014; Our VP Asia, Jackson Koh, is based there. Our business proves it as well; our S-Series is currently being deployed in an Indian operator, and our B-Series is in its first trial in a large insurance agency in Asia. We are actively recruiting resellers in Asia.

Today's next generation telecom operators face this challenge of updating their networks while they find it difficult to increasing on monetization streams. How can Teclo help here?

We can help operators increase profits by:- Making their network the best out of the competition. That should give them more publicity and more customers - When Teclo system is deployed, happier subscribers use more data immediately, and at least some of that data is paid for. That increases revenue - The Teclo system also saves costs; we can go through a detailed RoI if you like - Adding a reminder to, for instance, top up a prepaid subscription before it runs out, which definitely adds to revenue.

How do you look at deployment of NFV as a tool to increase network productivity for operators?

It's a good idea; as standard hardware becomes more powerful, it can handle more and more of the specialized functions that used to require specialized hardware. Using standardized hardware saves significant money and it is less complicated for the operators. Teclo Networks' software runs on standard Intel-based servers; from HP; Dell, Fujitsu, or IBM. Our software also runs in virtual machines; we're currently in trial running on virtual machines.

What are some of the big trends that you feel will deliver best value propositions for mobile network operators?

1) Offloading traffic to WiFi. One of our customers, Free (tier 1 mobile operator in France), delivers a box to each of its subscribers. The box delivers WiFI to the subscriber's home. The box also takes over mobile phone traffic from any Free subscribers who happen to be passing by.

2) Different subscriptions for different customer segments. A network operator we know well has a very successful policy of letting heavy film downloaders download for free in the wee hours, but charging for downloads when the network is busy.

Please share your go to market strategy? What kind of growth are you looking at and where is this growth likely to come from?

Our mobile operator business is growing and healthy; we're expanding to cover Asia at the moment. In addition, we believe we will grow with our new enterprise product, where our business is starting in Asia.

The Enterprise product works best where: - remote offices and remote workers, often sharing a connection - relatively long latencies - some dropped data packets - windows servers.