Ericsson has recently launched the Compact Packet Core, a cloud-native network solution designed to significantly enhance the capabilities of Communication Service Providers (CSPs). This innovative solution integrates Packet Core Controller (PCC) and Packet Core Gateway (PCG) network functions within a single-rack version of Ericsson’s Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). This development positions Ericsson as a key player in helping CSPs navigate the complex transition to cloud-native infrastructure while efficiently managing both 4G and 5G networks.
Simplified Transition to Cloud-Native
The Ericsson Compact Packet Core offers a streamlined migration path from legacy infrastructure to cloud-native solutions. By providing pre-defined parameter settings and a globally applicable solution, it simplifies the transition for CSPs. This approach maximizes efficiency and return on investment in crucial network infrastructure by reducing the complexity involved in migration and deployment. The pre-integrated nature of the Compact Packet Core minimizes the need for extensive interoperability and integration testing, which further lowers costs and complexities for CSPs.
CSPs stand to benefit from a more straightforward and less time-consuming migration process. By incorporating pre-defined parameters and reducing the necessity for extensive customization, the solution greatly simplifies the journey to adopting cloud-native technologies. This ease of transition makes it much more feasible for CSPs to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. The reduction in both time and resources required for deployment frees up valuable assets that can be redirected towards enhancing other aspects of network service provision.
Comprehensive Support for 4G and 5G Networks
The Compact Packet Core fully supports 4G, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) networks, giving CSPs a versatile tool to meet strategic and operational needs. This broad compatibility allows CSPs to cater to their diverse customer base while maintaining seamless service continuity. The ability to handle multiple network configurations ensures that CSPs are well-positioned to offer enhanced user experiences and a variety of services to their customers.
The comprehensive support provided by the Compact Packet Core means that CSPs can gradually transition to 5G while still maintaining their existing 4G networks. This dual support capability is particularly important for those looking to balance current customer demands with the necessity to invest in future technologies. It allows CSPs to make calculated investments in next-generation networks without disrupting the existing service landscape. This flexibility is essential for CSPs striving to meet present-day needs while preparing for the technological advancements of tomorrow.
Latest Software Innovation and Security
Ericsson’s solution comes with a solution lifecycle management service where automated network upgrades are consistently overseen. This ensures that networks remain up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and security features, facilitating seamless upgrades and maintaining continuous service interoperability. By leveraging automation and in-service software upgrades (ISSU), CSPs can ensure their network remains adaptable to new use cases or workloads as services evolve.
The Compact Packet Core harnesses the power of automation and Container-as-a-Service rolling upgrades (CaaS RU) to achieve flexibility and adaptability. These features enable CSPs to efficiently adapt their network to new requirements, ensuring a high level of service reliability and security. By automating many of the routine maintenance tasks, the solution allows for a more streamlined update process that can keep the network secure and efficient without significant manual intervention. This focus on innovation and security ensures that CSPs can offer dependable and secure services to their customers.
Optimized Deployment Configuration
The solution offers an optimized and validated configuration to deploy packet core network functions on CNIS. This predefined configuration reduces the need for adjusting numerous parameters by 80%, resulting in quicker deployment times. Additionally, it supports the latest CPU generations, offering a 30% reduction in energy consumption and hardware footprint. By implementing this optimized deployment configuration, CSPs can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with bringing new services to market.
The complexity of deployment is greatly diminished through the use of predefined configurations, allowing CSPs to bring new services online faster and more efficiently. This streamlined deployment process also contributes to a reduction in operational costs and has the added benefit of being more environmentally sustainable due to reduced energy consumption and hardware footprint. The ability to quickly deploy packet core network functions enables CSPs to be more responsive to market demands, ensuring they can better serve their customers while also managing resources more effectively.
Addressing CSPs Challenges
The Compact Packet Core is designed to address issues CSPs face when upgrading from legacy infrastructure. Its pre-integrated nature minimizes the need for extensive interoperability and integration testing, thereby lowering costs, complexities, and migration time. This makes it easier for CSPs to adopt new technologies and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. Ericsson’s solution utilizes proven Packet Core software, renowned for ensuring seamless service continuity and retaining the technological configuration during installation, migration, upgrades, and expansions.
CSPs face numerous challenges when upgrading from legacy infrastructure, but Ericsson’s Compact Packet Core aims to address these head-on. The pre-integrated nature of the solution reduces the need for extensive testing and integration work, making it more cost-effective and less complex. Utilizing the proven Packet Core software allows CSPs to maintain continuous service and technological consistency throughout various stages such as installation, migration, and upgrades. This reliability is crucial for CSPs aiming to deliver high-quality services and maintain customer satisfaction.
Expert Insights and Market Momentum
Glen Hunt, Principal Analyst at GlobalData, highlights the common and testing challenges CSPs face while upgrading to cloud deployment models or introducing 5G Core. Ericsson’s Compact Packet Core, by being pre-integrated and having in-built configurations, significantly reduces these challenges. Additionally, the reduced footprint and configuration management simplify the migration process, making it less costly and time-consuming. Ericsson’s market analysis indicates a growing momentum towards 5G and cloud-native solutions.
As of October 2024, Ericsson boasts over 120 unique 5G Core or cloud-native commercial contracts, with 55+ live dual-mode 5G Core solution customers. The Ericsson Mobility Report projects that by 2030, nearly 60% of 5G subscriptions – approximately 3.6 billion – will be for 5G SA. Separate research also shows consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for improved connectivity at events, which 5G SA can facilitate through differentiated connectivity offerings. These market insights signify the increasing demand for advanced, cloud-native network solutions.
Recognition and Market Leadership
Ericsson has unveiled the Compact Packet Core, a cutting-edge cloud-native network solution aimed at significantly boosting the performance capabilities of Communication Service Providers (CSPs). This groundbreaking solution integrates the Packet Core Controller (PCC) and Packet Core Gateway (PCG) network functions into a single-rack configuration of Ericsson’s Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). This strategic advancement solidifies Ericsson’s role as a vital partner in aiding CSPs through the intricate transition to cloud-native infrastructure. It facilitates the efficient management of both 4G and 5G networks. Furthermore, this solution is expected to streamline network operations, reduce operational costs, and enhance scalability, allowing CSPs to better cater to the evolving demands of their users. By simplifying the network architecture and promoting agility, Ericsson is empowering CSPs to innovate and offer more reliable and faster services. This move is anticipated to strengthen Ericsson’s market position and drive the broader adoption of cloud-native technologies in the telecommunications industry.
