Sandvine Leverages Citrix NetScaler to Manage Data Traffic

Sandvine is collaborating with virtual computing and networking company Citrix Systems to offer mobile packet core offload solutions for mobile carriers.

New sophisticated devices on mobile and LTE networks, and the growth of real-time entertainment (up to 42 percent of peak Internet traffic), are creating demand for solutions that can simultaneously reduce packet core congestion and improve the user experience. Sandvine is addressing this opportunity by combining the network policy control capabilities of the Sandvine Policy Traffic Switch (PTS) with Citrix NetScaler. The solution enables carrier-grade Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) deployments, as described by the evolving 3GPP Release 10 standards, effectively offloading traffic from the packet core infrastructure while preserving content delivery and charging models.

The joint solution helps mobile carriers reduce both packet core congestion and transit costs, using intelligent traffic redirection based on subscriber, device, and application type. The PTS redirects select mobile 3G or 4G data traffic to NetScaler, which routes the traffic via a direct path to the Internet, while the control plane remains unaffected. Requested content is delivered to the subscriber using the same expedited path, resulting in improved content delivery and quality of experience. The PTS also fulfills the functionality of the charging gateway, supporting the established prepaid or postpaid billing models.