The slicing capability can be deployed via a software upgrade into existing LTE and 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks and subsequently 5G standalone (SA) networks. The user and service-aware slicing functionalities have been introduced to Nokia radio access products and the solution supports all 4G and 5G devices, including in a multi-vendor environment.
Nokia’s slicing solution is being developed in collaboration with operators A1 and Telia. It enables new mobile end-to-end services with logical connections, security, quality and traffic management with a seamless service continuity across 4G and 5G networks. Private wireless slicing also opens up new network functionalities for different applications, such as surveillance and automation.
The company is also trialling live 4G/5G slicing use cases with customers powered by a unique Software Defined Network (SDN) radio slice controller as well as a transport slice controller. The trial includes a Nokia cloud packet core slice orchestrator to support network deployment automation as well as an SD-WAN software solution providing a managed 4G/5G network slice to private and public cloud services. Nokia assurance systems are used to verify per slice KPIs as a part of Nokia’s E2E service orchestration.
Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks, Nokia, said, “Working closely with our customers to develop new technologies and business opportunities is hugely important to Nokia. 4G/5G slicing enables multiple new use cases which operators can start building now to create new revenue streams.”
The solution will support connectivity from 4G and 5G devices over the sliced network to applications running in private and public clouds and will be available this summer.
