Vodafone accelerated its 5G core voice network upgrade cycle by rolling out an automated software-testing platform jointly developed with Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight Technologies. The system lets Vodafone verify and deploy new 5G software from multiple vendors in days instead of months, supporting the operator’s pan-European transition to a cloud-native 5G Standalone (5G SA) core.
The new platform streamlines how Vodafone checks software across nearly 160 core voice nodes that support cellular voice and Wi-Fi calling. Automated validation replaces manual steps that previously constrained release frequency, helping Vodafone keep pace with the higher volume of cloud-native software updates expected across Europe. The operator reports a 75% reduction in upgrade time since initial deployment, strengthening its ability to respond to regulatory changes and network-resilience requirements.
Spirent and Vodafone designed the system to integrate directly into the operator’s lab-to-live lifecycle, applying continuous integration and continuous deployment practices to network software. With vendors now delivering new features on a three-month cadence across markets, the automated platform prepares Vodafone for more programmable, slice-ready 5G architectures.
• Cuts 5G core voice software upgrade cycles from months to days
• Supports nearly 160 nodes providing cellular voice and Wi-Fi calling
• Automates multi-vendor testing for cloud-native 5G SA core releases
• Enables continuous integration / continuous deployment workflows
• Helps Vodafone stay ahead of regulatory and compliance changes
• Built with Spirent, now part of Keysight Technologies
“Our new automated testing platform developed with Spirent allows us to check and deploy software at scale,” said Fragkiskos Vellis, Head of Core Enablers and Solutions, Vodafone.
“Vodafone recognised the importance of automated testing due to the speed and frequency at which modern disaggregated networks need to be updated,” said Dougie Rankin, Vice President, International Sales, Spirent.
