Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom, and Samsung have successfully completed the world’s first 5G end-to-end (E2E) network slicing trial. Carried out at Deutsche Telekom’s Bonn lab on a Samsung S21 5G phone tethered to a VR headset, this customer-focused innovation demonstrates the benefits of network slicing optimised for cloud VR game streaming.
The trial used Ericsson commercial-grade 5G standalone (SA) infrastructure, which included Radio Access Network (RAN), 5G Cloud Core, slice orchestration and ordering automation.
“Network slicing is a key enabler for the monetisation of 5G.”
Erik Ekudden, Ericsson.
Network slicing is a key enabler for the monetisation of 5G. New digital services to consumers and enterprises become a reality because the technology makes it possible to create fit-for-purpose software for defined virtual networks with defined characteristics. To bring these services to the market, it is vital for operators to start from within their own business and to collaborate with customers, as well as relevant ecosystem players to demonstrate value creation and technical readiness,” said Erik Ekudden, Group CTO at Ericsson.
Superior 5G experience
The test, a world-first, was carried out for a cloud VR streaming game use case with two independent E2E network slices consisting of a default mobile broadband slice and a cloud VR gaming–optimised slice. The gaming slice was designed and configured to enable higher throughput and stable low latency, while also providing resource isolation between the two slices. The trial case demonstrated a superior experience on the gaming slice even under congested network conditions.
New 5G UE slicing policy feature
Through the trial, the three companies also achieved another important world-first milestone – the introduction of a 5G UE slicing policy feature that allows a device to steer applications and services with specific requirements to a defined slice. This new 5G UE slicing policy feature means customers can experience great service quality by serving applications with the right network slice.
“Demonstrate the value of 5G slicing for our customers lives.”
Claudia Nemat, Deutsche Telekom.
“5G SA Network Slicing sets a foundation for the creation of new service offerings to consumer and enterprise customers. As an experienced focused company, it is essential that we demonstrate the value of 5G slicing for our customers lives. As a world’s first, our unique collaboration with Ericsson and Samsung to provide slices to commercial devices shines a light on how we can bring these benefits to our customers,” said Claudia Nemat, Board Member, Technology & Innovation, Deutsche Telekom.
Through 5G E2E network slicing, different service characteristics and quality parameters can be provided to each slice and adapted to customer needs with full isolation between slices. This will enable service providers to use this new 5G technology to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical network infrastructure, developing new, differentiated services and business models without having to compromise on quality.
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