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Transcript of Company Profile: F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement...
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Company Profile
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller
and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
February 2015
Glen Ragoonanan and Gorkem Yigit
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Company summary
F5 Networks is a provider of application delivery products
and services with a broad solution portfolio including network
data and signalling traffic management, security, cloud and
application delivery controller, and serves the telecoms,
financial services, government and IT/enterprise industries.
It acquired Traffix Networks in 2012 to move into the
Diameter routing space, which enabled the vendor to expand
its footprint in telecoms and secure revenues from LTE
network investments.
This profile focuses on F5’s Traffix Signaling Delivery
Controller (SDC) and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
(PEM) products that together help communications service
providers (CSPs) address the challenges of data and mobile
signalling traffic growth in their networks, and monetise the
increasing demand for data services.
F5 has over 60 SDC and around 20 PEM CSP customers as
of January 2015.
SDC and PEM are key enablers of a range of use cases in
CSP networks. This profile looks at dynamic service chaining
with S/Gi interface simplification (see slide 7), mobile content
optimisation (see slide 8) and Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) (see
slide 9) and multi-layer end-to-end CSP network and service
security (see slide 10) use cases with both SDC and PEM.
2
Figure 1: F5 Networks company facts [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
Founded 1996
Offices HQ in Seattle, USA
Employees 3800+ (2014)
Regional focus Worldwide
Revenue USD1.73 billion (2014)
Customers1 Top 10 global CSPs and top 5 U.S mobile
CSPs, 48 of the Fortune 50 companies, U.S
government and educational institutes
Partnerships Cisco Systems, HP, Microsoft, Oracle and
VMware
Company status Public (NASDAQ:FFIV)
SDC and PEM are NFV-ready virtual network functions
(VNFs) because they are hardware independent by design.
Their Virtual Editions can run as VNFs either on F5 purpose-
built F5 BIG-IP hardware with its carrier-grade KVM
hypervisor version (Virtual Clustered Multiprocessing
(vCMP)) or on commodity IT hardware with hypervisors
such as VMware and Citrix XenServer.
F5 uses its partner ecosystem to provide end-to-end
optimisation and monetisation solutions to CSPs.
1 F5’s significant customers have not been disclosed in this profile due to NDAs
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Strategic Direction
F5 focuses on providing solutions that help CSPs:
simplify and optimise networks by ensuring interoperability
with different network protocols and signalling;
monetise traffic through context-aware layer 4-7 capabilities
and traffic management, which enables advanced service
and charging plans (together with partners) to increase
ARPU; and
secure the entire service delivery architecture to protect
against malicious behaviours.
Strategic vendor partnerships will remain key to F5’s success
in delivering end-to-end CSP solutions. F5 will develop new
technology partnerships in high growth areas including
network virtualisation management and orchestration, policy
control, analytics, IoT/M2M and cloud computing.
F5 plans to grow both its IT and telecoms revenues year-on-
year while sustaining about 25% of its total revenue from
CSPs over the next five years. It will seek opportunities to
acquire and develop new software technologies to expand its
addressable IT and telecoms markets as they integrate due to
NFV and SDN. It will also consider expanding its core
application delivery networking (ADN) portfolio to target CSPs.
Its acquisition of LineRate Systems in 1Q 2013 bolstered its
capabilities to deliver layer 4-7 SDN data centre.
Figure 2: F5 Networks value proposition for CSPs [Source: F5 Networks and
Analysys Mason, 2015]
It is positioning SDC and PEM, along with its BIG-IQ
Cloud/NFV management and orchestration solution, for
virtualised networks. Both SDC and PEM are deployed in
CSP POCs in their virtualized forms. F5 is also focusing on
developing new joint SDC and PEM use cases.
It delivers solutions and services directly and through channel
partners to increase its footprint internationally to continue its
double-digit growth.
SECURE OPTIMIZE
MONETIZE
3
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F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Overview of F5 Networks’s solutions for mobile CSPs
4
Figure 3: F5 Networks mobile CSP solutions architectural overview [Source: F5 Networks and Analysys Mason, 2015]
PCRF
OFCS
OCS
BIG-IP Policy Enforcement
Manager (PEM)
MME
HSS
Traffix Signaling Delivery
Controller (SDC)
AAA
AS/
CSCF
GGSN/
PGW
HLR
Control plane
URL
Filtering/
Caching
Video/TCP
optimisation
WAP
Gateways
VAS/Optimisation
S6a
Ro/Gy Gr
Rx
Gx/Gy
Internet gateway Internet
DNS
BIG-IP
Global
Traffic
Manager
BIG-IP
CGNAT BIG-IP AFM
* BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) is a standard component of all BIG-IP appliances and VIPRION chassis-based systems
F5 products focused on this profile
Other F5 CSP products
Non-F5 network elements
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Product Analysys
Mason
segment
Description
Traffix Signaling
Delivery Controller
(SDC)
Service Delivery
Platforms
SDC provides Diameter signalling functions including context-aware routing, load balancing, and connectivity among all
legacy network elements, interfaces, and protocols. It also delivers reporting and analytics as well as a testing and
simulation suite to aid in infrastructure forecasting and planning.
It combines 3GPP Diameter Routing Agent (DRA), GSMA Diameter Edge Agent (DEA) and 3GPP InterWorking
Function (IWF) in a single platform and provides following core functionalities:
• Diameter router: supports over 50 diameter interfaces and provides contextual routing management and reliable
failover management for increased network performance
• Diameter load balancer: provides multiple load-balancing schemes, network management and security functions
and enables improved utilization of resources as well as scalability with cost-effective growth
• Diameter gateway with IWF: ensures connectivity and interoperability between all network elements, protocols, and
interfaces and helps CSPs reduce integration time and improve utilisation of legacy networks.
BIG-IP Policy
Enforcement
Manager (PEM)
Service Delivery
Platforms
PEM provides CSPs with a broad set of traffic classification capabilities to understand subscriber behaviour and usage
trends and manage network traffic by identifying the specific applications and services that subscribers are using. It
allows CSPs to steer application and subscriber traffic to the relevant value-added services, i.e. web caching, video
optimisation, TCP optimisation, or parental control, to increase efficiency in the network and provides reporting and
analytics capabilities. It forms part of 3GPP PCC architecture when integrated with PCRF and OCS and can enable
CSPs to deliver personalised services and charging plans.
Product summary
Figure 4: F5 Networks’ telecom software products [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
All F5 products are available to CSPs as VNFs
PEM and SDC are telecoms-specific solutions.
5
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager 6
Product Analysys
Mason
segment
Description
BIG-IP Global
Traffic Manager
(GTM)
Software
Controlled
Networking
F5 BIG-IP Global Traffic Manager (GTM) helps CSPs’ secure their DNS infrastructure through secure high-
performance DNS services and scales DNS responses geographically in order to survive volume increases and DNS
DDoS attacks, and ensure high availability of applications and services. It automatically directs users to the closest or
best-performing data center based on business policy, geolocation, and volume spikes and delivers high-performance
DNS and application services with visibility, reporting, and analysis.
BIG-IP Local
Traffic Manager
(LTM)
Software
Controlled
Networking
F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) is a standard component of all BIG-IP appliances and VIPRION chassis-
based systems and provides intelligent load-balancing and traffic management. LTM manages the flow and distribution
of all traffic passing through F5 products and ensures the security and availability of applications.
BIG-IP Advanced
Firewall Manager
(AFM)
Software
Controlled
Networking
BIG-IP AFM forms the basis of the F5 Carrier Class Network Firewall Solution which can be deployed in both S/Gi-LAN
and traditional data center use cases. When deployed at the Gi interface of 3G networks and the SGi interface of
4G/LTE networks, the S/Gi firewall solution enforces network perimeters, protects the mobility infrastructure and
mobile subscribers, and gives CSPs the scalability and flexibility for advanced service enforcement. The S/Gi firewall
solution takes advantage of F5’s intelligent services framework, which enables CSPs to consolidate additional network
and security functions such as carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) and subscriber traffic visibility (BIG-IP PEM) on a single
platform.
Carrier-Grade
NAT (CGNAT)
Software
Controlled
Networking
CGNAT offers a broad set of tools that enable CSPs to migrate to IPv6 while continuing to support and interoperate
with existing IPv4 devices and content. It delivers tunnelling solutions with Dual-Stack Lite capabilities as well as native
network address translation solutions such as NAT44 and NAT64. It provides carrier-grade scalability by offering a high
number of IP address translations, fast NAT translation setup rates, high throughput, and high-speed logging.
Other products summary1
Figure 5: F5 Networks’ other telecom software products [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
1 These BIG-IP products are application delivery networking products that are used in CSPs IT (data centre) and telecoms networks, except CGNAT which is a
telecoms-specific product. They are included to give a more complete view of F5’s offerings for CSPs.
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Use case 1: Dynamic service chaining with S/Gi interface simplification
Business problem
CSPs are increasingly looking at NFV/SDN to deliver
personalised services faster and cost effectively, enrich
customer experience, protect revenue streams and improve
operational efficiency and resource utilisation through
increased automation in networks.
Technical solution
F5’s PEM and BIG-IQ Cloud/NFV orchestration solution can
jointly enable CSPs to provision service chains dynamically,
by automating the deployment of personalised value-add
services that are delivered through virtualised appliances
(VNFs, including video optimisation, parental controls and
URL filtering), and optimise network traffic with its layer4-7
SDN capabilities in the S/Gi-LAN interface.
F5 can streamline CSP S/Gi networks through a single
integrated platform for F5 S/Gi network functions, i.e. policy
enforcement (PEM), firewall (AFM) and CGNAT, deployed on
high performance VIPRION servers and/or as VNFs, with
centralised management of services.
Benefits
Quick and cost-effective deployment of personalised VAS
Capex/opex savings from efficient use of network resources
and reduced complexity and fragmentation in operations
7
Figure 6: F5 dynamic service chaining and S/Gi simplification use cases
[Source: F5 Networks and Analysys Mason, 2015]
Internet
PGW/
GGSN
Cloud/NFV orchestration
Video
optimization
Transparent
caching
Parental
controls URL filtering
DNS Services
GTM
Traffix SDC
Visited PLMN
OCS PCRF AAA/HSS
Policy and subscriber management
SBC CSCF
IMS and Non-IMS
SDN L4-7 SDN L4-7
Virtual Edition VIPRION
S/Gi Network S/Gi Network
PEM AFM LTM
CGNAT
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Use case 2: Mobile content optimisation to support monetisation of mobile
video and OTT content
Business problem
Voice and messaging revenues are declining in most parts of
the world, while LTE is driving higher consumption of video
and other OTT content services. Optimising QoS of mobile
video and OTT content is becoming increasingly important for
CSP's top and bottom lines. CSPs need to deliver innovative
and personalised services and charging models to create
new revenue streams to sustain long-term revenue growth.
Technical solution
F5’s SDC and PEM can jointly enable the delivery of QoS-
based charging models by providing prioritised QoS on
mobile video or OTT content on a per subscriber connection
basis, while ensuring net neutrality for other users’
connection.
PEM enforces QoS policies received from the PCRF, and can
steer traffic based on the application for video optimisation or
parental control to deliver value-add services. SDC manages
signalling traffic load between PEM, PCRF, OCS and external
databases, stops unwanted signalling and interconnects the
IT systems and network.
Integration with F5’s partners’ customer portal and analytics
solutions can give end users the flexibility to choose the
services to be boosted and enable automatic adjustment of
these QoS settings on-demand.
8
Figure 7: SDC and PEM use case for mobile video and OTT content
optimisation [Source:F5 Networks and Analysys Mason, 2015]
Benefits
LTE CSPs mobile video and OTT content QoS service plans
with SDC and PEM can achieve the following benefits:
Capex and opex savings from virtualisation and efficient
signalling and traffic management
Improved customer retention and even acquisition through
high quality of experience (QoE) for video and OTT
content on empowered customers with this feature, while
maintaining net neutrality for other customers.
Video/TCP
optimisation
Caching Parental
control
BIG-IP PEM
Internet
OCS
PCRF OTT Premium
DB
Traffix SDC
PGW
Mobile access
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Use case 3: Voice over Wi-Fi and VoLTE interoperability
Business problem
CSPs are increasingly looking for solutions to provide
anytime and anywhere access to their services to ensure
high quality customer experience and compete with OTT
voice and messaging services.
Apple’s iPhone 6 provides voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) and
voice over LTE (VoLTE) features which allow CSPs to
develop solutions that can ensure complimentary high quality
indoor and outdoor voice quality without costly spectrum
investments. As such, seamless call handover between LTE
and Wi-Fi can be a key service differentiator for CSPs.
Technical solution
F5 SDC can interoperate multiple authentication signalling
and protocols between HSS, HLR and AAA for Extensible
Authentication Protocol (EAP) SIM based authentication on
the users smartphone (iPhone 6) on either the Wi-Fi or
mobile (LTE) network to setup the VoIP call.
SDC supports multi-vendor SIP interworking for 2G/3G with
LTE networks and F5 can work with its IMS partners to
anchor and re-route calls in a Wi-Fi to mobile handover.
PEM can ensure the voice quality of service (QoS) on both
the mobile and Wi-Fi networks, dynamically if needed.
With IMS, this may be extended for video calling as well.
9
Figure 8: SDC and PEM use case for VoWiFi and VoLTE interoperability
[Source: F5 Networks and Analysys Mason, 2015]
Benefits
Sustain voice revenues from improved indoor (Wi-Fi) and
outdoor (LTE) coverage with consistent high quality voice
experience. Provides a foundation for other advanced IMS
communications services that CSPs can monetise.
Capex/opex savings from virtualisation, and efficient
signalling/traffic management that can prevent network
congestion and outages.
BIG-IP PEM
Internet
Wi-Fi access
EAP-SIM/
AKA
Mobile access
HSS
Traffix SDC
HLR
AAA
VoLTE TAS CSCF
IMS
SIP IWF
Radius-EAP
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Use case 4: Multi-layer end-to-end CSP network and service security
Business problem
The shift towards all-IP, heterogeneous and open networks
combined with the increasing software-based control with
NFV/SDN and vulnerable end-user devices require CSPs to
augment their network security to defend their networks,
services and subscribers against sophisticated attacks such
as DDoS and privacy/data theft and signalling storms.
Technical solution
F5 provides a unified, end-to-end multi-faceted security
platform that comprises its Advanced Firewall Manager
(AFM), Application Security Manager (ASM), Application
Policy Manager (APM), Global Traffic Manager (GTM), Local
Traffic Manager (LTM), Carrier Grade NAT (CGNAT) and
Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller (SDC), to protect the
CSP infrastructure, as shown in figure 9.
SDC plays a key role in protecting the LTE core for policy,
IMS and DNS services by preventing signalling storms. PEM
will act as a first level enforcement point by enabling CSPs to
block unauthorized IP/subscriber/application traffic and
access to certain URLs.
Benefits
Higher visibility and control through a common, policy-driven
and virtualised security architecture, which should enable
faster and cost-effective responses to security threats
10
Figure 9: F5 network security solutions focus areas [Source: F5 Networks
and Analysys Mason, 2015]
EPC Internet
GTM ASM
AFM
Traffix SDC
Visited PLMN IMS and Non-IMS
Policy and subscriber management
Virtual Edition VIPRION
S/Gi Network S/Gi Network
PEM AFM LTM
CGNAT
BRAS/BNG/CMTS
Data center
LTM
GTM
DNS services
F5 security focus areas
F5 security products
F5 products part of security roadmap
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager 11
Date Company Description
May 2014 Defense.Net F5 acquired Defense.Net, a provider of cloud-based security services for protecting data centers and internet applications
from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, to expand its security solutions portfolio for defense against Internet-
based DDoS attacks on networks, data centers, and applications.
September 2013 Versafe F5 acquired Versafe, a provider of web anti-fraud, anti-phishing, and anti-malware solutions, to augment its security
offerings.
July 2013 Aragon Networks The deal delivered particular technology assets from Aragon Networks.
February 2013 LineRate
Systems
F5 acquired LineRate Systems, a developer of software defined networking (SDN) services, to provide layer 7 (L7) SDN
solutions.
March 2012 Corensic F5 acquired intellectual property from Corensic to strengthen its application delivery business.
February 2012 Traffix
Networks
The acquisition enabled F5 to expand its Diameter routing, load balancing and gateway capabilities for scaling and
optimizing 3G, 4G/LTE and IMS networks.
August 2011 Crescendo
Networks
F5 acquired particular intellectual property and other technology-related assets from Crescendo Networks to enhance
layer 7 capabilities for its ADN solutions.
January 2009 Attune Systems F5 purchased file virtualisation-related intellectual property from Attune Systems to bolster its ARX product line.
Key acquisitions and mergers [1]
Figure 10a: F5 Networks’ key acquisitions and mergers, 2003-2014 [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager 12
Key acquisitions and mergers [2]
Figure 10b: F5 Networks’ key acquisitions and mergers, 2003-2014 [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
Date Company Description
August 2007 Acopia
Networks
With the Acopia Networks acquisition, F5 extended its Application Delivery Network (ADN) focus to data storage with
the addition of intelligent file virtualization
September 2005 Swan Labs F5 acquired Swan Labs to have access to application-specific optimizations through Swan Labs' WANJet solution, and
advanced web application optimization technology through Swan Labs' WebAccelerator solution.
June 2004 MagniFire
Websystems
F5 acquired MagniFire, a provider of web application firewall hardware, for USD29 million to bolster its security solution
portfolio.
July 2003 Uroam F5 acquired uRoam for its FirePass/Remote Access technology that eventually developed to the F5 Access Policy
Manager
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager 13
Customer Country F5 product Scope
BASE Company Belgium Traffix SDC The CSP implemented Traffix SDC to support its LTE launch in 2013 and address signalling challenges
with increasing smartphone and data usage.
CITIC Singapore Traffix SDC CITIC has deployed the Traffix SDC Diameter solution to optimize its internet protocol exchange (IPX)
service.
M1 Singapore Traffix SDC M1 has deployed the Traffix SDC to optimize mobility management in its LTE home network and provide
high quality LTE roaming services.
Oi Brazil Traffix SDC Oi chose Traffix SDC to manage its LTE network signalling and deliver roaming services.
Tier 1 CSP EMEA Traffix SDC The CSP deployed SDC to perform Diameter Edge Agent (DEA) to support LTE roaming as well as
Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) to route S6a and S9 traffic from MME to HSS.
Tier 1 CSP NA Traffix SDC The CSP deployed SDC as a DRA to optimise Gx traffic between PGWs, DPI and PCRFs, and Sh traffic
between PCRF and HSS.
Tier 1 CSP LATAM Traffix SDC The CSP deployed SDC to perform Diameter Edge Agent (DEA) for roaming and Diameter Routing Agent
(DRA) to optimise signalling traffic (S6a, Gx and Gy) for MME, PGW, PCRF, HSS and OCS.
Tier 1 CSP APAC Traffix SDC The CSP deployed SDC to perform Diameter Edge Agent (DEA) for roaming and Diameter Routing Agent
(DRA) to optimise signalling traffic (S6a,Gx,Gy,Gf/S13) for MME, HSS, EIR-SS7, PGW, PCRF and OCS.
F5 Traffix SDC customers
Figure 11: F5 Networks’ Traffix SDC customers [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager 14
Customer Country F5 product Scope
Fixed CSP APAC BIG-IP PEM
The CSP is using PEM to classify different applications and services, and apply different policies based
on the service and subscriber. The CSP is also deploying F5’s suite of BIG-IP products including
Application Delivery Controller (ADC) functionality, Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT) and DNS capabilities
within a unified platform.
Fixed CSP APAC BIG-IP PEM The CSP is using PEM to provide bandwidth-on-demand services to its subscribers to create new
revenue streams.
Tier 1 CSP APAC BIG-IP PEM
The CSP deployed PEM to intelligently steer video traffic to a video optimization platform during peak
traffic hours, while bypassing the video optimization platform during off-peak hours. This helped the CSP
increase ARPU while optimizing network resources during peak hours.
Tier 2 CSP APAC BIG-IP PEM
This CSP deployed PEM to rate-limit and throttle specific applications that were causing an increase in
network congestion.
Tier 2 CSP APAC BIG-IP PEM
The CSP deployed PEM to provide application and subscriber bandwidth control policies in addition to
providing the ability to insert specific content and toolbars onto subscribers devices, thereby providing
subscribers with targeted ads plus the ability to get and modify relevant information about their plans
using the specific toolbar on their device.
F5 BIG-IP PEM customers [1]
Figure 12a: F5 Networks’ BIG-IP PEM customers [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager 15
Customer Country F5 product Scope
Tier 1 CSP EMEA BIG-IP PEM The CSP deployed BIG-IP PEM to provide intelligent traffic steering of relevant traffic to different VAS
platforms and is also leveraging PEM to provide a URL filtering and parental control solution.
Tier 2 CSP EMEA BIG-IP PEM
The CSP is using PEM to detect whether subscribers are coming in from a 3G tower or a 4G LTE tower
and apply different policies to those subscribers, including applying specific TCP Optimization algorithms
based on the radio access tower, which optimizes the traffic and provides a greater QoE and faster
download speeds for subscribers.
F5 BIG-IP PEM customers [2]
Figure 12b: F5 Networks’ BIG-IP PEM customers [Source: F5 Networks, 2015]
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
Analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
16
Strengths
It has a strong enterprise heritage and has been successful
in CSPs’ data centres, ISP and core networks.
SDC is a market leading Diameter solution that can ‘glue’
together complex multi-technology, multi-vendor CSP
networks and it is enhanced by PEM for signalling traffic
optimisation.
It can provide carrier-grade NFV versions of all its solutions
as well as deliver SDN at layer 4-7, which positions it as a
strong network virtualisation vendor to CSPs.
Weaknesses
F5 is dependent on partners to develop complete CSP-
focused end-to-end solutions, which could be limiting its
visibility as delivery partners also resell its competitors’
solutions.
Its overall brand strength as a core network vendor is under
developed.
In spite of its strong NFV capabilities, F5 has weakly
engaged CSPs to increase its NFV/SDN visibility and gain
market traction.
Opportunities
SDC and PEM with F5’s other ADN solutions are key
enablers of mobile content delivery networks (CDNs) as LTE
promotes video optimisation and monetisation opportunities
NFV/SDN are bringing IT and telecoms closer together, and
this can be an opportunity for F5 to make its core application
delivery networking (ADN) portfolio more attractive to CSPs.
Can ease upcoming complexities of Apple’s iPhone 6 dual
VoWiFi and VoLTE features in its main market (USA) as well
as future advanced IMS communication services.
Threats
Ericsson, Huawei and Oracle are significant threats to F5
PEM and SDC as they can provide more complete solutions
than F5 in Diameter routing, policy management and
charging.
Major NEPs can deliver integrated end-to-end policy and
charging solutions, which limits PEM’s market opportunity.
Allot, Sandvine and Procera provide NFV-ready network
intelligence and traffic steering solutions with strong market
presence, which creates an entry barrier to PEM.
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
About the authors
Glen Ragoonanan (Principal Analyst) is the lead analyst for Analysys Mason's Infrastructure Solutions, Service
Delivery Platforms and Software-Controlled Networking research programmes. He joined Analysys Mason in 2008
and has worked as a consultant on projects on next-generation IT and telecoms networks, systems and
technologies for incumbents, new entrants, private companies, regulators and public-sector clients. His primary
areas of specialisation include operations and business support systems (OSS/BSS) solution architecture and
integration for business process re-engineering, business process optimisation, business continuity planning,
procurement and outsourcing operations and strategies. Before joining Analysys Mason, Glen worked for Fujitsu,
designing, delivering and managing integrated solutions. Glen is a Chartered Engineer and project management
professional with an MSc from Coventry University.
Gorkem Yigit (Research Analyst) is part of the Telecoms Software research team, contributing to the Software
Controlled Networking, Service Delivery Platforms, Infrastructure Solutions and Service Assurance programmes. He
started his career in the telecoms industry with a graduate role at a leading telecoms operator, before joining
Analysys Mason in late 2013. He has also written an academic paper about market acceptance of cloud enterprise
resource planning (ERP) software and he earned a cum laude MSc degree in Economics and Management of
Innovation and Technology from Bocconi University (Milan, Italy).
17
© Analysys Mason Limited 2015
F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
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18
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F5 Networks’ Traffix Signaling Delivery Controller and BIG-IP Policy Enforcement Manager
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