Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom carried out a proof-of-concept to demonstrate a secure network slice that automatically connects to private cloud services
Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson announced what they claim is the first implementation of a uniquely integrated solution to customize and manage end-to-end network slices for enterprise cloud-based applications.
The partners carried out a proof-of-concept (PoC) with the aim of demonstrating a secure network slice that automatically connects to private cloud services.
The solution enables enterprises to guarantee their employees get the network performance required for a secure operation of their cloud-based workplace applications. It also provides for automated configuration, provisioning and end-to-end orchestration of the enterprise slicing service order, Ericsson said.
Within this integrated solution, a slice design tool enables an enterprise’s IT administrators to manage, monitor and analyze slice performance, according to the vendor. Ericsson added that administrators can customize, order, configure and manage an end-to-end network consisting of enterprise smartphone devices, a 5G network slice and private cloud services via a single management interface.
The Swedish vendor highlighted that enterprise employees can access private cloud-based applications on their enterprise smartphone device via a secure network slice over the public network. The enterprise administrator can also make use of a variety of analytics services in the integrated solution to monitor and analyze the use of the customized network slice, Ericsson added.
“This successful demonstration highlights the potential of advanced 5G network slicing capabilities to enable unique and flexible services for enterprises, customized to specific needs,” said Kaniz Mahdi, SVP of technology architecture and innovation at Deutsche Telekom. “Working with our partners, we are committed to transferring this innovation into compelling solutions for our enterprise customers’ digitalization journeys.”
“As communication service providers and enterprises globally seek to make full use of 5G’s advanced features, network slicing holds the key to creating sustainable business cases. This Proof of Concept shows that the ability for enterprises to create and tailor network slices easily to fit their applications and user needs is no longer something for the future, but something for today. We’re looking forward to continuing this great partnership with Deutsche Telekom to deliver on the real promise of 5G,” said Daniel Leimbach, head of customer unit Western Europe at Ericsson.
The pair also noted that the proof-of-concept was implemented on a 5G Standalone (SA) testbed in a Deutsche Telekom lab with the enterprise smart phones connecting to a predefined set of private cloud applications. For this trial, Ericsson provided the 5G core network, Radio Access Network (RAN) and end-to-end orchestration including URSP.
Ericsson explained that network slicing is a key architectural feature in 5G SA architecture that enables multiple virtual networks to be created on a single physical network infrastructure. The vendor also noted that “different service characteristics and quality parameters can then be provided to each ‘slice’ adapted to customer needs and with full isolation between slices.”