NEC Extends OpenFlow Technologies

Tokyo, NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a global leader in networking, communications and information technology, announced today the development of dynamic optimal path management technologies for mobile and fixed networks using OpenFlow (*1), one of the Future Internet technologies.

These new technologies, including modules that observe the utilization status of multiple base stations for each mobile communication method, dynamically select the most suitable mobile communication routes by analyzing location information within mobile networks, received signal power level, communication resource utilization and mobile backhaul congestion.

The technologies also provide high quality services by dynamically switching between heterogeneous mobile communications methods and improve energy conservation by switching off low communication load base stations for mobile backhaul networks, including base stations, network lines, switches and servers.

NEC has already developed a prototype of Programmable Flow switch (*2) and completed a trial between Japan and the United States (*3). Furthermore, NEC jointly established the Clean Slate Laboratory with Stanford University (*4) and is conducting advanced research and development for the implementation of a global structure for Future Internet services.

These developments also provide a core technology using OpenFlow that enables efficient and flexible network management of mobile networks, which are constantly gaining speed and bandwidth.

Adoption of these technologies resolves the following issues:

1. Dynamic switching between multiple mobile communication methods

Dynamically switching between communication methods in response to congestion and environmental conditions makes it possible to continually provide end users with high quality service. For example, NEC has verified successful transition between WiMAX and WiFi mobile communication methods in trials where seamless switching was automatically carried out as one network became congested with video content delivery.

2. Electric power-saving of mobile backhaul

Electricity can be conserved by condensing network paths during nighttime hours, when communication traffic is low, and turning off the power for excess transfer stations. The above technologies each contribute to the ability of mobile communications carriers to reduce operational management costs and create new services.

NEC Corporation(TSE: 6701) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide.