How Vodafone is Automating 5G Voice Core with Spirent

Vodafone has introduced a new automated testing platform for its pan-European 5G voice core network. 

Developed with Spirent Communications, the system allows software from multiple vendors to be verified and deployed within days rather than months.

The move follows Vodafone’s selection of Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight Technologies, as its test partner. Spirent supplies test and assurance solutions for next-generation networks and devices.

By automating how new software features are tested and rolled out, Vodafone enhances its core voice network while maintaining service quality. Any issues can be addressed before deployment and new features can be delivered more quickly.

The approach prepares Vodafone for the growing number of software releases expected as part of the rollout of cloud-native 5G Standalone (SA) core technology. 

Vodafone’s new technology is being deployed across its European markets. With networks becoming more programmable, automated testing plays a key role in preserving resilience.

Software deployment cut from months to days

Following implementation of the new testing platform, Vodafone reports a 75% reduction in the time required to introduce software upgrades to its core voice infrastructure. Previously measured in months, it now takes only days.

The core voice infrastructure includes around 160 nodes and supports services such as cellular voice and voice over Wi-Fi. The more agile testing environment helps Vodafone respond more quickly to changes in regulation and compliance requirements.

Fragkiskos Vellis, Head of Core Enablers and Solutions, Vodafone, says: “Cloud-based core 5G standalone networks are highly programmable and responsive engines driving new features like network slicing. 

“However, these advancements introduce added complexity. Our new automated testing platform developed with Spirent allows us to check and deploy software at scale.”

The 5G SA core introduces capabilities such as network slicing, which requires more frequent software updates and the ability to deploy new features at scale. Automated testing allows Vodafone to manage these changes efficiently.

Integrated into Vodafone’s deployment cycle

Spirent works with Vodafone to create a platform that supports the entire lab-to-live lifecycle. It includes continuous integration, which involves sharing code and automating its build and test process and continuous deployment, which prepares the code for use in the network.

Dougie Rankin, Vice President, International Sales, Spirent, says: “Vodafone recognised the importance of automated testing due to the speed and frequency at which modern disaggregated networks need to be updated. 

“By working with Spirent to fully automate its testing capabilities, Vodafone is now able to accelerate delivery of new network products, version upgrades and features to its customers, while ensuring strict compliance and benefitting from efficiency gains.”

Vodafone’s network includes software and equipment from several vendors. Automation supports consistent testing and release across the multi-vendor environment.

New software every three months

The new testing platform is part of Vodafone’s wider strategy to automate software deployment across all its markets. Vendors now implement new releases every three months, supported by the automated system.

By embedding automated testing into its operations, Vodafone can deploy software faster while ensuring quality and reliability across its European 5G voice core network.