Stoke Inc., along with BT (News - Alert), recently confirmed that they have finished joint lab trials which tested out different deployment models for LTE (News - Alert) networks. The tests were conducted over a year ago in February 2011 and focused on examining the possible connections between mobile and fixed networks and the various options that can be leveraged for LTE transport connectivity.

In a release, Chris Bilton, director of Research and Technology at BT said, “This research with Stoke (News - Alert) has enabled us to determine some high-potential opportunities to develop innovative services for current 3G environments and opportunities for evolving the architecture to 4G. The program findings, especially the proof of vendor interoperability, have provided invaluable insights which will help formulate next steps in proving our findings.”

The Security eXchange from Stoke served as a key device in facilitating the demonstration of various architectural strategies for LTE deployment. The device was also leveraged to measure the levels of enhanced security, multi-tenant network sharing scenarios and scalability.

Dave Williams, chief technology officer at Stoke said, “BT and Stoke are now able to define new architectural strategies that provide important information for LTE license holders. With spectrum owners looking at options ranging from build-own-operate to complete outsourcing arrangements, there are many unanswered questions. The test results shed much-needed light onto the feasibility of LTE rollout options, and point the way to some viable alternatives.”

He added, “We are very pleased to support BT in extending its research into areas that will rapidly add value to its business divisions and customers. Additionally, the trials have helped us to develop advanced new features for our platform.”

During the Multi-Service Forum Voice over LTE trials that took place in September 2011 Stoke showcased the reliable backhaul capabilities of its Security eXchange proving that a large number of LTE vendors would be able to interoperate with the Stoke Security eXchange.

John Byrne, research director of Wireless Infrastructure at IDC (News - Alert) Research said, “As IP injects itself deeper into service providers’ LTE networks, operators face new and unfamiliar challenges. In the specific area of security, operators must keep pace with growing network loads, unpredictable traffic patterns and increasingly complex network architectures with the result that flexibility and scalability are becoming key requirements.”

He continued, “We believe that operators taking a long-term view toward maintaining high performance as LTE network loads increase may wish to consider adopting standalone solutions to help manage growing signaling loads, ensure the highest levels of security possible, and maintain the ultra-low latency performance that LTE can deliver.”