A leading Indian telecom operator, serving over 100 million subscribers, has chosen HFCL’s advanced IP/MPLS routers to expand its network capacity fivefold. This strategic deployment marks a significant step in preparing the operator’s infrastructure for 5G services and ensuring the delivery of high-speed, reliable connectivity. By integrating HFCL’s telecom-grade routing solutions, the operator is enhancing scalability and reinforcing India’s digital backbone to meet surging data demands.
Keeping Pace with Explosive Data Demand
The operator’s network had been under pressure from the rapid rise of 4G usage and the growth of data-heavy applications such as HD video streaming, cloud-based enterprise services, and immersive gaming. Without intervention, this demand risked causing congestion, bottlenecks, and service disruptions. With the arrival of 5G on the horizon, the operator needed to resolve immediate capacity issues and prepare for even higher traffic volumes—without disrupting services for its massive subscriber base.
5x Capacity Boost with DCR 1100 Routers
HFCL deployed its DCR 1100 series IP/MPLS routers at both the access and pre-aggregation layers. Delivering up to 360 Gbps at the access layer and 800 Gbps at the pre-aggregation layer, the solution transformed the network’s capacity, enabling a 5x overall increase. This upgrade allowed the operator to serve millions more users and support modern, bandwidth-intensive applications with ease.
Scaling Seamlessly from 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps
The DCR 1100 routers support a wide range of interface rates, from 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps, giving the operator the flexibility to allocate bandwidth according to site-specific needs. This scalability means the network can grow in step with demand, reducing the need for frequent hardware replacements and ensuring long-term resilience.
Advanced Technology and Simplified Management
Alongside IP/MPLS, Segment Routing, and IPv6 features of routers, HFCL’s AI-powered Element Management System provided 24×7 network monitoring, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance to maximize uptime. Zero Touch Provisioning ensured fast and consistent deployments, while secure, open API–based integrations enabled seamless interoperability with third-party tools. Together, these capabilities kept the operator’s network efficient, resilient, and future-ready.
Compact, Reliable Design
The compact 1RU form factor of the DCR 1100 routers made them easy to deploy even in space-constrained locations. Telco-grade performance was ensured through 1+1 redundant hot-swappable power supplies and N+1 redundant hot-swappable fan units, enabling continuous operation even in rural areas prone to power instability. Standardised components across models further simplified maintenance and reduced inventory complexity.
Seamless Deployment for Long-Term Growth
HFCL worked closely with the operator from planning to rollout, using a phased strategy that minimised disruption. Each router underwent rigorous performance and interoperability testing, including integration with legacy systems from other vendors. This collaborative process ensured a smooth transition and a foundation for future expansion. Explore the full case study: How HFCL powered 5x capacity expansion for a top Indian telco.
A Future-Ready Network
The deployment delivered a fivefold increase in network capacity, enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and full readiness for 5G. Through engineering expertise and close collaboration, HFCL helped the operator achieve a transformation that improves efficiency, scalability, and long-term resilience across its vast subscriber base. As data consumption and 5G rollouts accelerate worldwide, this project showcases the type of network evolution required by operators everywhere.
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