F5 Networks acquires Traffix Systems

SEATTLE, USA: Application delivery networking service provider F5 Networks announced that it has agreed to acquire Traffix Systems, a provider of 4G Diameter signaling products for telecommunications service providers. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The Diameter protocol has gained acceptance from 3GPP and GSMA as the standard for network signaling in all 4G/LTE networks.

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“Leading industry experts and service providers recognize the need for converged and unified IP solutions across carriers’ control, data, and application planes, which scale, secure, and optimize 3G, 4G/LTE, and IMS traffic,” said John McAdam, president and CEO, F5 Networks. “The result is a dramatic reduction of complexity and costs, making service provider networks more agile. With this move, F5 continues to execute on the company’s vision of delivering an adaptable architecture to enable its customers to create a smart, converged carrier IP infrastructure.”

The Diameter protocol plays a vital role in the management of 4G LTE and IMS networks and 3G charging and policy deployments. Diameter control via routing, load balancing and gateway solutions are critical to effectively building and monetizing networks by enabling them to offer advanced 4G services. Moreover, service providers need deployment strategies based on robust, telco-grade Diameter routing for the deluge of signaling messages in their network, says a release.

“Bringing together F5’s superior expertise in IP for applications and data with Traffix’s industry leadership in Diameter and signaling for the control plane, F5 has the unique depth and breadth to make the transition from 3G to 4G and IMS much simpler, cost effective, and non-disruptive for carriers,” said Ben Volkow, CEO of Traffix Systems.