ZTE unveils 5G network slicing solution
Chinese telecommunications technology provider ZTE has launched its 5G end-to-end cloud-based network slicing solution across 5G radio access network (RAN), core network, and bearer network.
Calling it a world first, ZTE said the solution is "the key to the 5G network supporting industry digital transformation" by enabling a physical network to be allocated across several virtualised network slices for different needs and services.
"The solution is based on an industry-leading micro-service architecture and realises the convergence of the unified air interface, the virtualised core network, and the SDN-based bearer network," ZTE explained.
The company added that the solution will also enable on-demand network customisation with real-time provisioning thanks to its intelligent operation and management system.
"The solution also incorporates a policy engine empowered by AI to continuously improve the intelligent operation and service assurance capabilities of the 5G network," the company added.
"The release will push forward the technical maturity of the 5G commercial system to a new level, lay a solid foundation for the new mode of 5G slice-based network operation, build up the capability of NSaaS (Network Slice as a Service), and continuously lead the 5G application innovation for the vertical industry."
The announcement follows ZTE last year saying it is committed to pioneering 5G, with plans to enable mobile carriers to transition to the faster network standard worldwide by leading the industry in technology and commercialisation.
In July, ZTE had announced it would double its R&D spend on 5G to reach 2 billion yuan (almost $300 million). It then reported spending 9.197 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) on R&D during the first nine months of 2017, accounting for around 12 percent of total revenue.
"In [the] next three years as a 5G pioneer, ZTE will unswervingly strengthen its R&D investment, and focus on carrier markets and core businesses," ZTE said in October.
"The company will keep tracking new technologies and exploring new modes to maintain and improve its leading status in the 5G era."
ZTE had completed 5G New Radio (NR) field trials with China Unicom, attaining data rates of up to 2Gbps for single-user equipment in July. The trial utilised ZTE's pre-commercial sub-6GHz 5G base station at the 3.5GHz frequency with 100MHz bandwidth alongside Massive MIMO technology.
The company additionally completed several major 5G scenario trials during phase two of China's national 5G tests in July, including network slicing, in an effort to test its chips and equipment ahead of commercialisation.
ZTE's enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) across sub-6GHz test attained a peak cell throughput of more than 19Gbps with 28 spatial division streams using a 3.5GHz pre-commercial 5G base station, while its eMBB millimetre-wave (mmWave) test saw a four-stream rate of more than 13Gbps.
It is also working on 5G in Japan, in June announcing a partnership with SoftBank to trial 5G over sub-6GHz spectrum at 4.5GHz across Tokyo, and working with the Japanese carrier on Massive MIMO and 5G NR R&D.
ZTE had announced its plans to release 10Gbps-capable 5G mmWave and sub-6GHz base stations that are compliant with 3GPP and 5G NR standards and identified spectrum bands a year ago. It launched its modular 5G IT baseband unit with Intel, which is compatible over 2G, 3G, 4G, and pre-5G networks thanks to the use of SDN and NFV technologies, at the same time.
As of October, ZTE had deployed more than 60 pre-5G networks across the globe, as well as over 280 software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualisation (NFV) commercial and trial networks worldwide.
Related Coverage
Verizon and Samsung demo 5G call with KT
Using a prototype 5G tablet from Samsung, Verizon and KT have announced completing a 5G video call between Seoul and Minneapolis.
Telstra showcases 5G network capabilities
Telstra will use 2018 to learn about, plan for, and develop 5G solutions using its trial network, testing lab, and innovation in the Gold Coast ahead of a non-standalone rollout to all major Australian centres.
Telstra launches 5G Innovation Centre
Telstra has signalled the expansion of 5G trials with the launch of its 5G Innovation Centre, which will complement its 5G testing centre and trial network on the Gold Coast.
Sprint eyes mobile 5G network launch for first half of 2019
5G could lead to an increase in customers' data plans, Sprint's CEO said.
How 5G will impact the future of farming and John Deere's digital transformation
In rural America, 5G technology could enable new precision agriculture capabilities on farm equipment leveraging real-time connectivity.
Optus announces 5G rollout for 2019
Optus will begin the rollout of its 5G network early next year for 'key metro areas', as recent tests with network partner Huawei have attained 2Gbps speeds using commercial customer devices.
The 5G revolution is here: What business needs to know(TechRepublic)
TechRepublic's Conner Forrest explains three things IT pros need to know about 5G, next-gen high-speed wireless tech.
5G mobile networks: A cheat sheet(TechRepublic)
As LTE networks become increasingly saturated, mobile network operators are planning for the 5G future. Here is what business professionals and mobile users need to know about 5G.
Mobile device computing policy (Tech Pro Research)
Mobile devices offer convenience and flexibility for the modern workforce-but they also bring associated risks and support issues. This policy establishes guidelines to help ensure safe and productive mobility.