Nokia adds MEC to enterprise networking portfolio

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Nokia has expanded its enterprise portfolio, adding new Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and Wi-Fi solutions.

The virtualised MEC solution will allow enterprises to run multi-access edge computing on standard IT servers, allowing it to be integrated with existing IT infrastructure.

It includes a local breakout function that will allow operators to deliver private LTE networks to enterprises. It also features virtual core solutions to allow enterprises to manage their own private networks.

In addition, Nokia added a new capability to its Cloud Packet Core, which will allow industries to integrate multiple access technologies to deliver a higher capacity and more resilient network.

Called the Hybrid Access Gateway, it is able to combine licensed and unlicensed wireless connectivity as well as fixed and satellite. It is expected to be used in mission-critical services in the mining, oil and gas industries.

Nokia also launched a new version of the AirScale Wi-Fi Access Point, which it said was more compact and cost-efficient, to support enterprises’ non-critical applications.

It also added new features to its Flexi Zone Citizen Band Radio Service (CBRS) small cells, which will allow companies in the United States to use 3.5 GHz CBRS shared spectrum as it is made available.

Thorsten Robrecht, Head of Advanced Mobile Networks Solutions at Nokia, said: “We want to support the evolution toward the fourth industrial revolution by giving companies the ability to leverage private wireless networks for their critical communications needs and rapidly ramp-up business applications that improve efficiency.

“We continue to evolve our end-to-end solutions and services to allow enterprises to transition towards digitalisation in a smooth and cost-efficient way in preparation for 5G automation in the future.”

This week also saw Nokia extend its portfolio of 5G-ready products by launching new radio solutions, small cells and SDN.