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Ericssson-LG jumps on South Korean cloud to make 5G rain

Software to control software

Ericsson-LG – a joint venture company between the two communications giants – has jumped into bed with Korean telco SKT to build software to control 5G networks.

Of course no one really knows what 5G is yet, but we do know that it will have to handle an awful lot of data and so the software will have to live on servers. This is dubbed “cloud orchestration technology” and according to the firms comprises Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV), Software Defined Networks (SDN) and cloud technology.

The agreement takes the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the infrastructure company and operator to undertake R&D to “verify cloud orchestration technology, a key enabler for the next-generation network”.

That is to say, they will work out if controlling the 5G network can be done by a system that dynamically looks at what the network is doing and then modifies not just what it does in response but how it does it.

Ericsson-LG says its Cloud Orchestration tech enables the central detection, control, operation and optimisation of separately running applications and hardware infrastructure. In this way, communications service providers can more efficiently use their network resources, maximise their network performances and operate a wide array of additional services. There is an emphasis on keeping everything running smoothly, with a nod to using the cheapest available bits to do it.

Martin Wiktorin, CEO of Ericsson-LG, said: “To efficiently manage explosive growth in data traffic, flexible network operation is critical. We are very pleased to forge an R&D partnership with SK Telecom, which would help optimise use of communication networks and facilitate a transition toward a more flexible network.

"We will continue to closely work with our customers, lead technological innovation for diverse next-generation networks — including cloud technology — and pioneer technological breakthroughs in the future,” he added. ®

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