Intent-driven 5G: How Programmable Networks Are Silently Ending AI Lag In US Cities
- Advanced technology will help SmarTone offer new services to its customers.
- This technology also makes the network more efficient and improves service delivery.
- TXN Radio Access Network (RAN) and 5G Core Solutions will help SmarTone reduce costs, enhance security, and deliver a better user experience.
SmarTone, a communications service provider in Hong Kong, has partnered with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to deploy Ericsson’s 5G technology as part of ongoing efforts to improve its network. Ericsson’s 5G advanced technology will help SmarTone add new radio access network (RAN) features to support its goal of building a high-performing programmable network.
A programmable network is a new type of communications platform that provides flexible, adaptive control over network functions and resources. These networks use smart automation, intent-driven operations, AI, and open layered designs. This enables the creation of custom connectivity solutions that meet specific business goals or user needs.
Programmable networks can automatically adjust settings such as traffic prioritization and service optimization to achieve overall goals. This helps service providers offer different types of connectivity with guaranteed service-level agreements (SLAs), leading to better user experiences and greater value for businesses.
The latest radios that SmarTone will use are designed to improve network performance, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and support sustainability by consuming less energy. SmarTone will deploy:
- The latest massive MIMO radios are highly energy efficient and lightweight, making them easy to install and less expensive to operate. The AIR3255 model uses 30% less energy and has a 20% lower CO2 footprint than its predecessor.
- The ultra-light triple-band macro radios weighing 24 kg offer strong performance and power efficiency. They will simultaneously improve both SmarTone’s network coverage and capacity.
The features include mobile edge computing via Ericsson’s local packet gateway, which provides secure, private, and reliable services with backup across locations. This setup delivers scalable UPF solutions for fixed-line and wireless access (FWA) for businesses, as well as flexible high-availability UPF solutions for home broadband users. The new agreement also includes products from the Ericsson Network Exposure Portfolio, enabling SmarTone to safely expose its key network capabilities to selected partners via the Cloud Core Exposure server and Ericsson Network Location, helping reduce future-focused location-based use cases.
The ability to deliver differentiated connectivity also enables SmarTone to align service levels with the price points it offers consumers and enterprises. For example, through network slicing, SmarTone will be able to boost quality of service on demand when the network needs it the most.
Stephen Chau, Chief Technical Officer, SmarTone, says: “In recent years, increased network capacity and quality have not always linearlytranslated to increased revenue. That’s why it was important for us to move forward with technology that will enable us to network more effectively and reduce operational costs. With Ericsson’s new 5G advanced technology, this is what we aim to achieve.
Peter Fung, president of Ericsson Hong Kong and Macau, says a programmable network can be managed through software, enabling quick changes and flexible control over how the network operates and which services can be launched. It can also enable faster deployment of new services. We are thrilled to be the technology provider that will help SmarTone build a stronger, more nimble network to benefit consumers and enterprises in Hong Kong.
Source: SmarTone strengthens network with Ericsson 5G Advanced technology
