Pod deploys BroadForward central routing

  • March 3, 2021
  • Steve Rogerson

Pod Group has deployed BroadForward’s multi-technology signalling platform, enabling converged, central routing for all 2G, 3G, 4G and future 5G IoT signalling traffic.

UK-based Pod Group, an IoT enterprise network operator, has deployed Dutch firm BroadForward’s STP signalling transfer point and DSC diameter signalling controller to enable signalling control in its worldwide IoT services network.

The converged signalling platform enables Pod Group to achieve fast deployment of user specific IoT signalling across network technologies. The virtualised software enables operators to combine network functions on the same single engine platform with other BroadForward network products, such as the SS7 and Diameter Firewall, 5G SEPP and SCP.

Both STP and DSC routing functions run on BroadForward’s single engine enabling converged 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G routing and interworking functions across a range of network protocols. The design of the software enables Pod Group to unify and simplify routing configuration, management and provisioning across all SS7, Diameter and later HTTP/2 IoT traffic.

“When the underlying signalling technology provides intelligent cross-technology control there are clear benefits for enterprises to run their own network,” said Alistair Elliott, CTO for networks at Pod Group. “The flexibility of the BroadForward multi-technology signalling does exactly that: it allows us to enable advanced SS7 and Diameter signalling scenarios that we can tailor on demand. The new signalling platform gives us comprehensive control, full access and a single view on 2G, 3G, 4G and later 5G IoT signalling traffic. This allows us to achieve a much faster time to market for network configuration and security policies in different IoT networks.”

BroadForward CEO Taco Schoute added: “IoT is one of the fastest growing market segments in telecommunications with over 125 billion connected IoT devices predicted by 2030. Being at the forefront of developments in the IoT market, Pod Group will benefit tremendously from the BroadForward next-generation STP and DRA. Our converged software design provides unrivalled flexibility to match specific enterprise requirements and demands for fast deployment across 2G, 3G and 4G while able to support 5G IoT services as well.”

Pod Group specialises in IoT SIM cards and connectivity for enterprise IoT applications, bringing over 20 years’ experience and innovation to the telecommunications market. An enterprise network operator, Pod goes beyond traditional connectivity service providers to offer customisations designed to give enterprises of all sizes ownership and control of their IoT connectivity, from the SIM card right up to a complete private network.

Pod operates its own core network, including a private LTE core that lets it provide managed connectivity services on public and private spectrum. Services include global multi-network, multi-IMSI and eSIMs in addition to management, billing and security, all managed via a central platform.

With offices worldwide and access to more than 600 networks in 185 countries, Pod’s team of IoT connectivity experts supports enterprises across a broad range of sectors as they take ownership of their IoT connectivity.

BroadForward specailises in intelligent signalling software for 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, IMS, fixed, wifi, IPX, and M2M and IoT networks. It delivers core network products for routing, interworking, security and number portability, designed for convergence across legacy and future networks. BroadForward’s software development is entirely done in the Netherlands.