Sonus, Palo Alto Networks to deliver advanced mobile network protections

NEW DELHI: Sonus Networks has announced a new architecture designed to mitigate the impacts of rogue LTE endpoint devices and erroneous IP traffic crossing 4G-LTE mobile networks.

The Sonus security architecture, developed with Palo Alto Networks, includes existing Sonus Session Border Controller (SBC) elements, providing the Interconnection Border Control Function and Proxy-Call Session Control Function (IBCF and P-CSCF), as well as the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Platform to move security to the network edge, lowering mobile networks costs and customer churn.

The joint architecture allows MNOs to implement new policies that block unauthorized traffic on EPC networks, increase security, reduce network congestion and associated costs and enhance the user experience of MNOs’ mobile subscribers by providing protection from mobile malware.

MNOs can now leverage their Sonus P-CSCF and IBCF deployments to detect and mitigate anomalous IP communications traffic from rogue endpoints, as well as obtain complete visibility and threat prevention capabilities provided by the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Platform. With this security architecture in place, MNOs can reduce capital costs by limiting the over-provisioning of networks while implementing a more effective overall security posture in conjunction with growing IP Communications services, such as VoLTE and VoWiFi. Additionally, MNOs can deter theft of service and ensure greater network availability and quality of experience for mobile subscribers by preventing targeted network attacks and blocking malware targeting mobile devices.

“The Sonus and Palo Alto Networks architecture brings together the unique capabilities offered by each company to deliver a best-in-class security solution for mobile operators that unifies LTE data and VoLTE security policy and enforcement,” said Kevin Riley, Sonus CTO and senior vice president, Engineering.

“Establishing a secure mobile network for the Internet of Things will be a key differentiator for mobile operators and their customers in the coming years. We are looking forward to working with Palo Alto Networks to continue this momentum as we get ahead of identity and security issues and redefine this evolving landscape together," said Riley.

“Mobile network operators must have full visibility into all types of mobile network traffic in order to prevent cyberattacks. The joint architecture announced today by Sonus Networks, in collaboration with Palo Alto Networks, provides MNOs with comprehensive traffic visibility within their infrastructure, and combines the cyber breach prevention capabilities of our Next-Generation Security Platform with Sonus’ advanced security for the VoLTE/voice network," said Scott Stevens, Palo Alto Networks senior vice president of Global Service Provider Sales.

"This joint architecture provides active coordination between our platforms to provide a new level of security into the VoLTE/VoWifi network," added Stevens.