Spirent Communications announced it was selected by Vodafone as its partner to automate and streamline the integration of new 5G software across Vodafone's pan-European core voice mobile networks. Using a new jointly developed automated platform, Vodafone can now more easily check and quickly deploy 5G software releases from multiple vendors. By automating the testing and deployment of new software features from multiple equipment vendors, Vodafone can enhance its core voice network and deliver services to customers more quickly while maintaining quality and addressing any bugs beforehand.
This approach also means Vodafone is well prepared to take advantage of the increasing number of software releases anticipated with the rollout of cloud-native 5G Standalone core technology, which the company is deploying across Europe. As networks become more programmable, automated testing is a key strategy for maintaining resilience. Following the initial implementation of the new testing platform, Vodafone has seen a 75% reduction in the time required to introduce software upgrades to its core voice infrastructure--decreasing from months to days.
This infrastructure includes nearly 160 nodes and supports services such as cellular voice and voice over Wi-Fi. Working closely with Vodafone, Spirent developed an automated testing platform for use throughout Vodafone's lab-to-live lifecycle process. By incorporating uninterrupted testing into Vodafone's operations, which includes continuous integration (sharing code and automating its build and test) and continuous deployment (preparing code for use), Vodafone can release software faster and more reliably.
The new platform is part of Vodafone's drive to automate the deployment of new software releases, which are now implemented every three months by vendors across all markets.
