Nokia and Ericsson trial separate network slicing solutions
Nokia and Ericsson have separately announced that they have successfully trialled slicing solutions with Google for Android devices and 4G/5G networks.
The slice selection functionality, which uses UE Route Selection Policy (URSP), allows smartphones to connect to multiple network slices simultaneously via different enterprise and consumer applications. This is dependent on a subscriber’s specific requirements, as each slice can have different network capabilities.
Ari Kynäslahti, Head of Strategy and Technology at Nokia Mobile Networks, said: “New application-based URSP slicing solutions widen operator’s 5G network business opportunities. We are excited to develop and test new standards-based URSP technologies with Android that will ensure that our customers can provide leading-edge enterprise and consumer services using Android devices and Nokia’s 4G/5G networks.”
Network slicing can boost consumer and enterprise applications and is seen as vital to capturing the value that a 5G network can provide for CSPs and enterprises.
Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Packet Core at Ericsson says: “As carriers and enterprises seek a return on their investment in 5G networks, the ability to provide for a wide and varied selection of use cases is of crucial importance. Communications Service Providers and enterprises who can offer customers the flexibility to take advantage of tailored network slices for both work and personal profiles on a single Android device are opening up a vast reserve of different uses of those devices. By confirming that the new network slicing capabilities offered by Android 13 will work fully with Ericsson network technology, we are marking a significant step forward in helping the full mobile ecosystem realize the true value of 5G.”
Ericsson tested its devices in an Interoperability Device Testing (IODT) environment while Nokia used end-to-end Nokia 4G/5G network slicing products including Radio Access Network (RAN), transport core, and control and management systems for its tests.
