VodafoneZiggo will use Cisco’s self-organizing network (SON) technology with radio access network (RAN) automation as it prepares to roll out 5G.

The Dutch company, a joint venture of Liberty Global and Vodafone Group, is the first European service provider to use Cisco’s new SONFlex platform.

Cisco’s SON technology works in multi-vendor deployments based on any combination of cellular technologies. It supports RAN nodes from any major vendor as well as multiple data-source vendors.

But as networks become more complex with service providers preparing for 5G, operators need network visibility and integration with multiple network domains, network applications, and data sources.

SON + Flexibility

Cisco says its new SONFlex technology provides this SON flexibility (hence the name). Its modular architecture allows operators to support any RAN vendor or data feed that can be utilized in the SON applications. It also can interface to any customer-specific systems and architectures.

VodafoneZiggo is currently deploying the SONFlex Suite, building on its existing deployment of Cisco SON applications across its network. It will use the technology to manage all RAN technologies including 2G, 3G, LTE or 4G, and ultimately 5G. The service provider is using SONFlex APIs and infrastructure to support more external data sources, and it says the platform will decrease costs per bit and improve the overall customer experience with superior voice quality.

The technology also allows VodafoneZiggo to develop and deploy its own SON applications, independent from the Cisco SON platform, thus enabling it to launch new services faster.

The move marks a shift in VodafoneZiggo’s automation strategy, going from traditional network-focused optimization to more customer-centric SON-based automation.

“VodafoneZiggo is the lead OpCo within the Vodafone Group for the rollout of Cisco SON,” said Matthias Sauder, director, Mobile Networks, VodafoneZiggo in a statement. “With Cisco SONFlex, we are now in a position to manage increasing network complexity with 5G on the horizon, improve operational efficiency, and gain greater autonomy to develop a unique automation strategy.”