Telecom operators generate massive volumes of RAN, mobility and geospatial data, but only the correct tooling can turn that complexity into reliable network performance. This case study shows how VIAVI Solutions and Helmes built two complementary R&D suites, one for large-scale network data management (NITRO GEO, NITRO Mobile, GEOoptimise and related components) and one for advanced location intelligence, that together process over 150 million events per minute, enable KPI-based analytics, deliver flexible data visualisation, and support fast issue detection and root-cause analysis. These platforms now power network optimisation and customer-experience improvements for global telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, and the underlying data-management concepts can be applied far beyond telecom.
Meet the customer
VIAVI Solutions, established in 1923 as Wandel and Goltermann in Germany, has a rich history. Known for their innovation and customer-centric approach, VIAVI Solutions has built a solid global reputation. Today, they are a leading provider of network testing, monitoring, and assurance solutions worldwide. By prioritizing innovation and client satisfaction, VIAVI Solutions sets industry standards with cutting-edge tools that enhance network performance, customer experience, and network security.
Helmes has been a trusted software development partner of VIAVI Solutions since 2013, helping the company to provide excellent service to its clients.
About the project
The telecom industry has undergone a rapid transformation over the past two decades, demanding innovative tools from service providers to keep pace with the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In 2013, VIAVI Solutions, a leading provider of network testing, monitoring, and assurance solutions worldwide, forged a partnership with Helmes, recognizing the need for robust software to meet the growing demand for data services. Since then, we have built multiple systems for telecom service providers, including platforms for the efficient monitoring, analysis and visualization of network data.
The network data management R&D LI suite with NITRO GEO, NITRO Mobile, GEOoptimize and other parts processes large-scale data streams – it breaks down, structures, computes, stores and visualizes Radio Access Network (RAN) data. The Location Intelligence Suite, consisting of NITRO GEO and other products, allows users to analyze and visualize data based on KPIs, enriching it with geospatial data.
Our joint team started with NITRO GEO development and has since then been working on multiple parts of the LI Suite, growing in the process.
The platforms allow telecom companies to use network data and location intelligence for network optimization, troubleshooting, improving customer experience and future planning of networks based on actual needs.
While the systems were developed for telecom services providers, the underlying expertise and concepts for managing and visualizing data – and monitoring key performance indicators – can be applied to any industry to empower data-driven decision-making.
The challenge
The telecom sector has undergone rapid transformation over the past decades, driving the need for innovative solutions to remain competitive in the fast-evolving industry.
Among other systems, telecom service providers need efficient platforms to structure, process and visualize vast amounts of data – including network, usage, location and mobility data. Additionally, they need robust tools for network data monitoring, drill-down analytics, issue detection and in-depth analysis.
Efficient data management tools allow service providers to identify problems and opportunities and build networks based on actual needs, thereby improving service quality and user satisfaction.
VIAVI Solutions recognized the need for network data management and location intelligence suites adapted to the needs of telecom service providers and partnered with Helmes to build the platforms.
During the process, Helmes team members worked jointly with VIAVI Solutions’ in-house tech team, following a hybrid agile workflow. Our engineers demonstrated professional service and technical expertise combined with the capability to work jointly with the client team, adapting to their processes, tools, and culture as needed.
The solution
Data management R&D suite NITRO GEO
R&D teams formed jointly by VIAVI Solutions and Helmes employees created the NITRO GEO suite by utilizing distributed scaled solutions, scalable architecture and microservices, and performance management concepts.
The system processes large-scale data streams – it breaks down, structures, computes, stores and visualizes Radio Access Network (RAN) data, which includes information about signal strength (RSRP, RSRQ), dropped calls, traffic patterns, and more.
As a result, the customers have flexible data visualization tailored to their needs.
The platform processes 150 million network and related events per minute with no performance issues.
The suite offers multiple benefits for telecom service providers, most notably, flexible data visualization, improved network data optimization and quicker issue detection.
Technologies used: NET, Scala, Spark, JAVA, containers (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), Python, internal tools, and databases, e.g. Oracle, Mongo DB, PostgresSql, etc, in-house solutions.
Location intelligence R&D Suite
The second solution developed by the joint R&D teams of VIAVI Solutions and Helmes is Location Intelligence (LI) Suite that helps turn geospatial data into actionable insights. The suite includes several integrated products with user interfaces and backend functionality, e.g., NITRO GEO, NITRO Mobile and GEOoptimize, allowing different users to choose the tools best suited to their specific needs.
The LI Suite allows users to visualize data based on KPIs, enriching it with geospatial data. It also features a drill-down functionality for analysis and easy monitoring.
Customers can use the tool to monitor and analyze various network KPIs, identify any network issues and determine their root cause.
Technologies used: Grafana, Kibana, .NET, Java, Scala, Vertica, Postgres, Docker, Kubernetes, HelmChart, Python, in-house products.
A few visuals
Benefits
Both platforms are used by VIAVI clients – leading telecommunication companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, providing services to millions of end customers.
The LI Suite, consisting of NITRO GEO, NITRO Mobile, GEOoptimize and other products, helps telecom companies to efficiently manage, visualize and analyze large-scale network data – and transform it into actionable insights for smart decision-making, network optimization, and quick detection of issues.
Custom-built for the telecom sector, the solutions allow service providers to monitor, optimize and build networks based on actual needs, thereby improving service quality and user satisfaction.
While the systems, features and functionalities were developed for telecom services providers, the underlying expertise and concepts for managing and visualizing data – and monitoring key performance indicators – can be applied to any industry to empower data-driven decision-making.
Work with us
Tailor-made data solutions help organizations turn complex information into actionable insights for improved efficiency and strategic impact.
Helmes has more than 30 years of experience providing custom development services to clients in Europe and beyond. Our clients include leading telecom operators, banks, insurance, retail and mobility companies, healthcare providers, and government institutions.
If you are looking for a reliable software development partner, we would like to hear from you.
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