Ericsson Introduces Groundbreaking Software Toolkit to Elevate 5G Standalone Networks and Deliver Premium Connectivity

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson has launched a software toolkit aimed at enhancing 5G Standalone networks, enabling premium services with differentiated connectivity. This comes in response to increasing demands for network capacity and performance driven by new use cases and higher user expectations for 5G quality. The toolkit is designed for communications service providers (CSPs) to deliver high-throughput, low-latency, and reliable performance for applications like mobile cloud gaming, video conferencing, and more. Ericsson’s toolkit includes features for improved Massive MIMO, RAN slicing automation, low-latency communication, and data boost upsell in 5G Core. This innovation aligns with Ericsson’s vision of networks as a platform for advanced services.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 31-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, has unveiled an innovative software toolkit aimed at bolstering the capabilities of 5G Standalone networks and facilitating premium services with distinct connectivity features. This strategic portfolio enhancement responds to the surging demand for enhanced network capacity and performance, driven by the proliferation of new use cases and heightened expectations of mobile users regarding the quality of their 5G experiences.

This comprehensive toolkit has been meticulously designed to empower communications service providers (CSPs) in meeting the demanding requirements of use cases that demand high throughput, reliability, and ultra-low latency, all while adhering to agreed-upon performance levels. Notable examples of such use cases include lag-free mobile cloud gaming, seamless video conferencing, live broadcasting, remote-controlled machinery and vehicles, public safety services, and upcoming Extended Reality (XR) applications.

5G’s remarkable attributes, such as blazing-fast speeds, consistent low latency, and expanded bandwidth, serve as the foundation for delivering these experience-centric use cases. However, as the landscape continues to evolve with diverse and advanced applications, the network must adapt to deliver differentiated performance levels. In light of this, it’s imperative to explore alternatives to the conventional one-size-fits-all approach to wireless connectivity.

Sibel Tombaz, Head of Product Line 5G RAN at Ericsson, commented, “Ericsson is at the forefront of global 5G network leadership, extending connectivity to all corners of the world. We’re reshaping connectivity and facilitating a seamless transition from ‘best-effort’ mobile broadband to premium experiences with service-level agreements. Our new innovative software toolkit empowers our customers to unlock advanced 5G applications through differentiated connectivity. This not only guarantees on-demand service excellence but also propels us toward our vision of networks as a platform.”

According to the latest Ericsson ConsumerLab report, a significant 20 percent of smartphone users actively seek differentiated 5G connectivity. These users highly value premium connectivity and are willing to pay up to an 11 percent premium for a 5G plan that guarantees elevated network performance.

Ericsson’s pioneering software toolkit boasts a range of enhanced features encompassing Massive MIMO, Advanced RAN Slicing, Time-Critical Communication, and 5G Core. It supports a three-pronged approach to establishing a network platform that transforms performance into loyalty, value, and growth: ensuring superior performance for mobile broadband services, delivering distinctive experiences for emerging consumer and enterprise use cases, and, with these foundational elements, creating programmable network performance on-demand through network APIs.

Key capabilities of the software toolkit include:

Enhanced Massive MIMO software algorithms: These algorithms facilitate channel-aware Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) pairing and optimal beamforming selection based on user velocity. This results in up to a 10 percent incremental user throughput gain in high-load mid-band deployments, enabling smoother introduction of new services demanding high reliability and low latency.
RAN Slicing advancements: This feature introduces intent-based automation for Automated Radio Resource Partitioning and Rate and Delay Control Scheduling, ensuring precise delivery on a 1 millisecond (ms) basis. Real-time automation drives efficient service-level agreement (SLA) fulfillment.
Improved consistent low latency: Time-Critical Communication is enhanced with Uplink Configured Grant and L4S (Low latency, Low loss, Scalable Throughput), ensuring superior quality of experience, even in network congestion and under adverse radio conditions. This results in up to a 90 ms latency improvement in high-load scenarios.
Data boost upsell and L4S support in 5G Core: This feature enables users to purchase a boost on top of their existing subscription through device notifications. Additionally, it offers new capabilities for enabling and monetizing L4S for selected subscription packages.

Ericsson’s new software toolkit is a pivotal step toward transforming the 5G landscape, enabling CSPs to meet the evolving demands of a diverse range of applications while delivering a superior and differentiated connectivity experience to users.

Changsoon Choi, Vice President, Network Service Differentiation and Convergence, Deutsche Telekom, says: “Our innovation focus at Deutsche Telekom is on developing new differentiated services. Working with Ericsson and partners we have demonstrated the quality of experience benefits of a consistent low latency and actively pushed the ecosystem in this area. We now welcome the launch of 5G slicing and L4S in Ericsson’s RAN software offering as we prepare the next steps to bring the benefits to our customers.”

Patrick Filkins, Research Manager, IoT and Telecom Network Infrastructure, at IDC, says: “Ericsson is flexing its muscle to provide communications service providers with the tools they need to efficiently target – and drive – new premium services with differentiated 5G connectivity. The latest batch of RAN and Core software features is a much-needed shot in the arm that will empower CSPs to turn 5G opportunities into reality through guaranteed service levels.”

Find out more about the new software features

NOTES TO EDITORS:

5G Value: Turning performance into loyalty (Ericsson ConsumerLab Report October 2023)
Ericsson Massive MIMO
5G RAN Slicing
Ericsson Network Slicing
Ericsson Time-Critical Communication
Ericsson 5G Core

MORE INFORMATION AT:
Ericsson Newsroom
media.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 00 00)

ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

SOURCE: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

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