SK Telecom is working with Samsung Electronics, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Intel to commercialize a 5G network functions virtualization (NFV) platform.
The four companies will jointly develop evolved NFV technologies for 5G networks, establish a process for the adoption of NFV and develop technologies to use the capabilities of the virtualized network. The goal is to reduce the time it takes to validate and integrate technologies from different vendors and verify them within the network.
The NFV platform will allow mobile operators to significantly reduce their time-to-market for 5G services such as augmented reality and virtual reality. Prior to this platform, mobile operators had to install each new hardware equipment or upgrade equipment to introduce a new service. The system will be based on Samsung’s 5G solution based on technologies from Intel and HPE as well as SK Telecom’s 5G network.
Intel will provide its Xeon processors, Ethernet 800 series network adapters and solid state drives while HPE will provide its ProLiant Servers for Samsung’s early development and verification purposes. SK will establish a process for 5G network virtualization, which includes interconnecting its 5G core network to Samsung’s virtualized 5G solutions.
SK Telecom said this will secure a solid basis for commercialization of an evolved 5G NFV platform and provide more services to mobile operators as well as the development of new technologies.
The four companies said that collaboration is an essential part of the rollout of 5G networks and the future of 5G lies in open, interoperable software and hardware innovation from different vendors.
