According to ABI Research, major developments in 5G-Advanced (5G-A) are expected this year, with widespread deployments anticipated to roll out until 2026.
The widespread adoption of 5G services has seamlessly accelerated connectivity across various platforms and industries, transforming lives and facilitating continuous digital transformations.
Building on the success of 5G technology’s deployment, the commercial rollout of 5G-A will amplify network capabilities and accelerate the development of innovations that will provide the groundwork for the 6G era.
With the advent of intelligent packet core network technology, 5G-A’s capabilities will be accelerated, driving advancements in various industries.
This modern innovation will enable amplified data management, improved security, and enhanced service delivery, facilitating the development of next-generation network services.
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Amplifying 5G-A with Intelligent Packet Core Networks
This year marks the inaugural commercial deployment of 5G-A, indicating a significant leap towards the 6G transition.
As of June 2024, the number of 5G users globally surpassed the total number of 2G and 3G connection users, displaying a significant breakthrough in the 5G revolution, according to GSMA Intelligence.
It is anticipated that over two billion 5G connections will be enabled by the end of the year, underscoring the rapid and widespread adoption of this transformative technology.
Intelligence is the key driver to harnessing the power that 5G-Advanced holds. Integrating intelligence into network operations is poised to enhance service quality and operational efficiency, providing seamless connectivity for a multitude of applications and devices.
Intelligent packet core networks will play a substantial role in driving 5G-A, ultimately improving connectivity and meeting the demands for deploying the Internet of Things (IoT).
This technological advancement presents a momentous leap in maximum transmission rates, increasing from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps and establishing new and improved user experiences.
Mobile communication networks will also see a shift from homogenous connections to differentiated experiences.
Furthermore, operations and maintenance (O&M) efficiency will be amplified, along with advancements in network stability. The synergy of high-speed connectivity and intelligent network management will empower enterprises to continue adopting digital innovations to facilitate opportunities for business monetization.
As we embrace the era of 5G-A, intelligent packet core networks possess the transformative potential to transform connectivity and drive innovations across various industries.
Also Read: 5G-Advanced: Breaking the Digital Barrier for a More Connected World
Navigating 5.5G Intelligent Packet Core Risks and Challenges
With intelligence integrated into 5G-A networks, new risks and challenges have emerged that require comprehensive navigation. Telecommunications operators must address critical issues to ensure optimal security and performance of the intelligent and interconnected digital ecosystem.
The intelligent core must have sufficient capacity to contain the surge of data traffic from various devices and applications. Under heavy loads, optimal performance should be maintained to avoid compromising service quality.
Moreover, the evolution of 5G networks has exposed new security vulnerabilities. Increased exposure in network edges may raise the risk of cyberattacks, particularly distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and IoT botnet threats.
These security threats may target the network gateway, exacerbating faults in network slicing, which is crucial for customized user group services.
The core network’s integration of diverse systems and use of different protocols within the core network may deliver challenges in compatibility and interoperability. Ensuring the interoperability of various network elements should be paramount to provide seamless operations.
Additionally, telecommunication operators must adhere to the required compliance and regulatory standards when implementing additions or changes to core networks. Non-compliance with these standards could result in repercussions, potentially damaging the operator’s reputation.
By navigating the complexities and challenges of advanced technologies, such as the intelligent packet core network, telecommunication companies can unlock the full potential of 5G-A.
Also Read: 5G-Advanced: Catalyzing Transformative Digitalization in the Middle East
Intelligence Over Core Networks
At this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Chinese telecommunications conglomerate, Huawei, unveiled its 5.5G intelligent core network solution, focusing on service, network, and O&M intelligence.
Huawei’s intelligent packet core network serves as the backbone for 5G-A services, enabling differentiated user experiences and supporting various applications.
According to George Gao, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, Huawei introduced intelligence into their core network to resolve the challenges faced by operators such as inadequate network flexibility, homogenous user experiences, and stale applications.
This intelligence carries a handful of innovative practices along with operators, amplifying almost all areas of core networks ranging from voice to video services.
The 5.5G intelligent core network will integrate service intelligence, network intelligence, and O&M intelligence, enhancing business value and potential.
Moreover, Swedish telecommunications giant, Ericsson, offers a packet core solution that enables telecommunications providers to establish a carrier-grade, cloud-native, high-performance packet core network, supporting various consumer and enterprise use cases.
Ericsson’s Packet Core applications deliver enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), gaming, and industrial connectivity services.
In addition, Ericsson underscored service differentiation possibilities and automation within its core network solutions, providing superior services to its users.
Network service provider, Tata Communications, also launched its advanced core network solutions, integrating cloud-native applications and supporting network slicing.
According to Tata Communications, the 5G core network’s growth will accelerate through network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) advancements.
Finnish technology innovation leader, Nokia, also accelerated the development of their packet core solutions, focusing on cloud-native architectures to enhance operational efficiency.
Recently, Bite Group selected Nokia’s Packet Core to amplify 5G evolution, increasing their business agility, optimizing network operational costs, and enabling faster delivery of new services. Nokia’s appliance-based Packet Core solution incorporates 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies into a single set of servers.
In the Middle East, the UAE is gearing up for the commercialization of 5G-A, as promoted by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Incorporating AI into 5G-A could enhance network performance, solidifying the country’s position as a global leader in deploying the latest network generations.
Moreover, industry collaboration is encouraged by the IMT-2020 (5G) to expedite the development of the functions and services of 5G network intelligence.
Related: 5G-Advanced: Telcos’ Key to Driving Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Final Thoughts
Collaboration is more important than competition in the quest to drive a more intelligent and connected world. Operators and industry partners must work together to ensure a more comprehensive acquisition of a network-oriented intelligence.
Accelerating the growth of 5G networks is poised to boost connectivity services, establishing success in business value over various areas of modern technology.
As we move forward, 5G-A’s integration of intelligent core networks will optimize existing digital infrastructures and unlock new opportunities, further enhancing the ICT landscape.
By integrating intelligence into the latest generation of networks, new opportunities and use cases will be unlocked, leading the way for new advancements previously embedded only in our collective imaginations.
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