Ericsson has unveiled a 5G platform with combined core, radio and transport solutions alongside digital support systems, transformation services and security for operators to adopt the new technology.
According to Ericsson, the global market for 5G would reach $582bn by 2026, as telecom operators start adopting 5G for industry digitalisation. It could offer operators 34% revenue growth opportunities in ten years.
The company also noted that sectors such as manufacturing and energy/ utilities would offer big opportunities for operators through 5G introduction.
Ericsson’s 5G core system is capable of use cases based on network slices. Network slicing allows operators to provide dedicated virtual networks with functionality specific to the service or customer on a common network.
Some of the applications of 5G use cases are that the technology makes it possible for network operators to provide network services globally, ensuring that companies do not need individual agreements with different operators for global service experience.
Network slice management service can be automated to setup service connections, while securing service quality, thus saving costs. And 5G transformation services can ensure smooth transition of network and operation from legacy to 5G core, based on an automated operational model.
Ericsson along with Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom have demonstrated a proof of concept with the first intercontinental 5G trial, where network slices were made available in other operator’s footprint.
The concept involved the creation and roaming extension of network slices optimised for Augmented Reality (AR) and maintenance services.
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Network functions virtualisation (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN) will be used for networking and programmability, bringing ultra-scalability, programmability and automation to networks.
To support new use cases, Ericsson has put its current portfolio including User Data Management, Evolved Packet Core and IP Multimedia Subsystem on cloud.
Ericsson Network Products Business Unit head Arun Bansal said: “With this launch, we introduce our 5G platform to support the beginning of a huge change in network capabilities, allowing our customers to offer more advanced use cases and new business models to their customers. It is an important milestone enabling operators to continue their evolution journey to 5G,”
Ericsson senior vice president and chief strategy and technology officer Ulf Ewaldsson said: “5G is the network for all industries. Network slices in the context of 5G will be like “virtual networks on-demand.” “With this world’s first intercontinental 5G trial network, we truly demonstrate the provisioning of network slices to global customers when abroad.”
SK Telecom chief technology officer Alex Jinsung Choi said: “5G is not just a faster network. 5G will provide extreme user experience anywhere and anytime, even when the user roams across different operators globally.
“Federated network slicing will enable seamless platform sharing among operators at a global scale for continuous and guaranteed user experience.”
