Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson conducted a network slicing proof-of-Concept (PoC) that enables enterprise accounts to automatically connect to private cloud services. The proof-of-concept was implemented on a 5G Standalone (SA) testbed in a Deutsche Telekom lab with the enterprise smart phones connecting to a predefined set of private cloud applications. Ericsson provided the 5G Core network, Radio Access Network (RAN) and end-to-end orchestration including URSP.
Deutsche Telekom said the demo provides for automated configuration, provisioning and end-to-end orchestration of the enterprise slicing service order.
Within this integrated solution, a slice design tool enables an enterprise’s IT administrators to flexibly manage, monitor and analyze slice performance. Via a single management interface, the administrator can customize, order, configure and manage an end-to-end network consisting of enterprise smart phone devices, a 5G network slice and private cloud services. Enterprise employees can then access private cloud-based applications on their enterprise smartphone device via a secure network slice over the public network. The enterprise administrator can also make use of a variety of analytics services in the integrated solution to monitor and analyze the use of the customized network slice.
The advanced features and capabilities of the integrated solution which were tested and validated include an app-level configuration of the device using Mobile Device Management (MDM) and User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP). In addition, the Business Support System (BSS) exposes TM Forum APIs for integration into third party management interfaces. That way, external management systems can incorporate slice ordering and management.
“This successful demonstration highlights the potential of advanced 5G network slicing capabilities to enable unique and flexible services for enterprises, customized to specific needs,” states Kaniz Mahdi, SVP Technology Architecture & Innovation at Deutsche Telekom. “Working with our partners, we are committed to transferring this innovation into compelling solutions for our enterprise customers’ digitalization journeys.”
Daniel Leimbach, Head of Customer Unit Western Europe at Ericsson, says: “As communication service providers and enterprises globally seek to make full use of 5G’s advanced features, network slicing holds the key to creating sustainable business cases. This Proof of Concept shows that the ability for enterprises to create and tailor network slices easily to fit their applications and user needs is no longer something for the future, but something for today. We’re looking forward to continuing this great partnership with Deutsche Telekom to deliver on the real promise of 5G.”
