Ericsson has announced it is partnering with Korean communications service provider, SK Telecom, to support 5G Standalone networks through the deployment of cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core on its Cloud Native Infrastructure (CNIS). Together the companies first unveiled next-generation cloud-native Core 5G networks technology, architecture, implementation and operations plans in March 2019 and this latest deal builds on this partnership.
“Cloud-native and 5G will bring many new services.”
Park Jong-kwan, SK Telecom.
“With this achievement, cloud-native and 5G will bring many new services, faster, to a broad range of industries. SK Telecom will continue to collaborate with industry leaders like Ericsson on cutting edge technologies that provide the best customer experience,” said Park Jong-kwan, VP and Head of Infra Tech, SK Telecom.
Cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core
Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core combines evolved packet core (EPC) and 5G Core network functions into a common cloud-native platform for efficient total cost of ownership and smooth migration to 5G. It is an evolution of a powerful virtualised portfolio, designed for cloud-native deployment, comprising Ericsson Cloud Packet Core products. Indeed, Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure, a container on bare metal cloud infrastructure solution, makes network deployments and operations simpler.
It is by removing the virtualisation layer from the cloud stack that it is possible to achieve greater efficiency and improved automation and performance. The solution is scalable across central and edge locations, supporting a vast number of 5G services and use cases. The integrated Kubernetes platform, Ericsson Cloud Container Distribution, is certified by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation.
“Standalone 5G will bring faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency and improved network reliability.”
Monica Zethzon, Ericsson.
“Korea is a leading 5G telecom market and together we achieved another great milestone with SK Telecom enabling 5G Standalone networks. Standalone 5G will bring faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency and improved network reliability. Our powerful dual-mode 5G Core solution supports an ecosystem for innovation that facilitates customised 5G services for consumers and business users globally,” said Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Packet Core, Ericsson.
5G rollout
Ericsson and SK Telecom have worked together on 5G for many years. Ericsson has provided SK Telecom with 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment and network management system for their commercial 5G network rollout.
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