DT and Ericsson claim a world-first in PoC for network slicing

The integrated solution includes a design tool to manage, monitor and analyse the slice’s performance

Deutsche Telekom (DT) and Ericsson claim a world’s first implementation of an integrated solution to customise and manage end-to-end network slices for cloud-based applications.

The proof of concept (PoC) was implemented on a 5G Standalone (SA) testbed in a DT lab with the enterprise smart phones connecting to a predefined set of private cloud applications. Ericsson provided the 5G Core network, RAN and end-to-end orchestration.

The partners instantiated a secure network slice that automatically connects to private cloud services. A slice design tool enables an enterprise to manage, monitor and analyse the performance of the slice. The administrator can customise, order, configure and manage an end-to-end network, via a single management interface.

Analytics

Enterprise staff can access the private, cloud-based applications on assigned smartphones via a secure network slice over the public network. The enterprise administrator can also use analytics within the solution to monitor and analyse use of the customised slice.

The integrated solution’s features were tested and validated to include an app-level configuration of the device using mobile device management (MDM) and user equipment route selection policy (URSP). In addition, the BSS exposes TM Forum’s APIs to ease integration with third-party management interfaces so that external management systems can incorporate slice ordering and management.

Kaniz Mahdi, SVP of Technology Architecture and Innovation at DT, said, “This…highlights the potential of advanced 5G network slicing capabilities to enable unique and flexible services for enterprises, customised [for] specific needs. Working with our partners, we are committed to transferring this innovation into compelling solutions for our enterprise customers’ digitalisation journeys.’