SKT Leading '5G Network Virtualization' with Ultra-Collaboration with Samsung, HPE, and Intel

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] SK Telecom has established a global 'super-collaboration' system for the commercialization of '5G network virtualization' together with Samsung Electronics, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Intel.

On the 10th, SK Telecom announced that it signed a business agreement with Samsung Electronics, HPE, and Intel at its headquarters in Euljiro, Seoul.

Accordingly, the four companies will broadly proceed with everything from 5G network virtualization technology to establishing standard processes and developing technologies that utilize virtualized networks. In particular, it is evaluated that global companies leading the 5G era have united their intentions to secure the capability to virtualize the entire core network, the key network of 5G, thereby laying the foundation for next-generation network innovation.

'5G network virtualization' refers to implementing multiple communication equipment functions in software form on general-purpose servers instead of installing individual hardware for each new communication service by telecom operators. By adopting virtualization technology, the time required for telecom companies to introduce next-generation 5G services can be shortened, allowing 5G customers to enjoy new services faster. Previously, new hardware equipment had to be newly built or upgraded for each new service launch, but after adopting the technology, it becomes possible to apply everything at once through a standard processor.

The four companies plan to establish standard processes aiming for the global commercialization of the next-generation 5G network virtualization platform by interconnecting virtualization software, platforms, and server equipment owned by each company.

To this end, Intel will share new technologies such as the next-generation 'Xeon' processor, Ethernet network adapters, and SSDs, while HPE will provide Samsung Electronics with the virtualization server 'ProLiant server.' SK Telecom plans to verify Samsung Electronics' 5G virtualization software in core networks such as the 5G core network and link it to the commercial network.

Nowonil, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Strategy Team at Samsung Electronics' Network Business Division, said, "Samsung Electronics will do its best to apply the latest hardware and virtualization software early to commercial networks through the world's first 5G commercialization experience and the four-party collaboration representing each field, and to widely spread innovative next-generation mobile communication services."

Kang Jongryeol, Head of SK Telecom ICT Infrastructure Center, said, "Through global cooperation among the four companies, we have sufficiently laid the foundation for the commercialization of next-generation 5G network virtualization, and we expect to provide better services to customers in the future," adding, "We will continue to develop new technologies for next-generation network virtualization and play a key role in future communication services."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.