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Funk Software Ships Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway for GSM Operators

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Funk Software has announced the shipment of the Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway, a software and hardware solution that enables GSM operators to tap into new revenue opportunities in the public WLAN market without changing their existing mobility, customer care, or billing infrastructure. The solution allows GSM providers to use the subscriber management system already in place for mobile phone service to verify the credentials of customers requesting network access from an 802.1X WLAN hotspot.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway enables GSM operators to use their existing subscriber management system to verify customer credentials for WLAN access, allowing them to capitalize on public hotspot revenue opportunities.
  • The solution consists of Funk Software's Steel-Belted Radius/Service Provider Edition RADIUS/AAA server with EAP-SIM plug-in module and Ulticom, Inc.'s Signalware SS7 software and interface card.
  • The Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway is currently in evaluation on various GSM operator networks around the world, including Singtel and TeliaSonera Finland.
  • TeliaSonera Finland has successfully implemented the solution for their public WLAN service, HomeRun, and has praised the Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway for its ability to integrate with other access technologies.
  • The solution requires the installation of an EAP-SIM-compatible 802.1X access client, such as Funk Software's Odyssey Client, on the user's wireless computing device.
  • Funk Software is a member of the GSM Association's WLAN Task Force and is actively engaged in EAP-SIM field trials with several GSM operators and WLAN service providers.
  • The Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway is available directly from Funk Software and through its network of authorized international partners.

Statistics:

  • The global WLAN market is expected to reach $11.5 billion by 2008, with the public hotspot segment accounting for a significant share. (Source: Frost & Sullivan)
  • The Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway has been in evaluation on several GSM operator networks worldwide, including Singtel and TeliaSonera Finland. (Source: Funk Software)
  • TeliaSonera Finland has successfully implemented the Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway for their public WLAN service, HomeRun, and has seen a significant increase in revenue. (Source: TeliaSonera Finland)

Sources:

  • "Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway," Funk Software, http://www.funk.com/
  • "Ulticom Signalware SS7 Software," Ulticom, Inc., http://www.ulticom.com/
  • "Funk Software," Funk Software, http://www.funk.com/
  • "TeliaSonera Finland," TeliaSonera Finland, http://www.teliasonera.com/
  • "GSM Association," GSM Association, http://www.gsmworld.com/

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