Hutchison enhances 3G network security

April 26, 2005

The Australian arm of Global service provider Hutchison has deployed networking technology from Cisco Systems to expand the capability of its popular 3G mobile phone network, "3," and to help defend the network against interference such as viruses.

The networking solution, based on the Cisco 12000 Series Router, will enhance Hutchison's existing Gigabit Ethernet core, packet-based data network. This upgrade will improve the speed and efficiency of data sorting and transmission in the 3 network, enabling it to optimise traffic flow and capacity in order to improve the performance of customer applications. This is a critically important capability as 3 continues to grow usage of its innovative video and multimedia services.

The upgrade will also help bolster security in the network. Cisco Secure intrusion detection systems (IDSs) help protect Hutchison's 3G network from viruses and other interference. Cisco IDS products also help detect unauthorised activity on the network by analysing traffic in real time, enabling users to quickly respond to any security breach.

The routing, switching and security equipment will be installed in Hutchison's new data centre in central Sydney. The data centre will house critical applications for the mobile phone network and internal network systems, all helping to eliminate downtime on services.

The upgrade is based on the deployment of the Cisco 12000 Series routing platform. The Cisco 12400 Series router is supplemented by Cisco 7600 Series routers and Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches, which act as aggregation and application-interconnect devices. An additional Cisco 7200 Series Router will support the virtual private network (VPN) connection and act as the gateway to the Internet and other applications.

"Our 3G network is one of the most advanced in the world," said Victa McClelland, chief technical officer of Hutchison Telecom, the operator of 3 in Australia. "Our expanding business means it is more critical than ever to work to ensure the reliability, security and performance of our network. The new Cisco equipment will further strengthen what is already a solid IP data network environment, enabling our customers to continue enjoying interactive mobile communications services with industry-leading security."

Cisco director, Service Provider Sales, in Australia and New Zealand, Peter Papaioannou, said; "Hutchison and Cisco have worked closely over many years and we are excited to be continuing that relationship and to help Hutchison service its customers more effectively with fast, high-quality mobile services."