Ericsson and Google continue to push the envelope on network slicing, bringing the full range of benefits of 5G one step closer to consumers, by demonstrating multiple network slices on a single device that cater to both consumer and enterprise applications.
In their latest collaboration, the ecosystem partners have demonstrated support on Ericsson network infrastructure for multiple slices on a single device running Android 13, supporting both enterprise (work profile) and consumer applications. In addition, for the first time, a slice for carrier branded services will allow communications service providers (CSP) to provide extra flexibility for customized offerings and capabilities.
Network slicing has long been seen as vital to capturing the
value that a 5G network can provide for CSPs and enterprises. The market for
network slicing alone in the enterprise segment is projected at USD 300 billion
by 2025, according to the GSMA.
By demonstrating that a single device can make use of
multiple slices, which are used according to the on-device user profiles and network
policies defined at the CSP level, Google and Ericsson have shown a way to
bridge the gap between the three important user groups.
The results were achieved in an Interoperability Device
Testing (IODT) environment on Google Pixel 6 (Pro) devices using Android 13.
The new release sees an expansion of the capabilities for enterprises assigning
network slicing to applications through User Equipment Route Selection Policy
(URSP) rules, which is the feature that enables one device using Android to
connect to multiple network slices simultaneously.
Two different types of slices were made available on a
device's consumer profile, apart from the default mobile broadband (MBB) slice.
App developers can now request what connectivity category (latency or
bandwidth) their app will need and then an appropriate slice, whose
characteristics are defined by the mobile network, will be selected.
In this way either latency or bandwidth can be prioritized,
according to the app's requirements. For example, the app could use a
low-latency slice that has been pre-defined by the mobile network for online gaming,
or a pre-defined high-bandwidth slice to stream or take part in high definition
video calling.
In an expansion of the network slicing support offered by
Android 12, Android 13 will also allow for up to five enterprise-defined slices
to be used by the device's work profile. In situations where no USRP rules are
available, carriers can configure their network so traffic from work profile
apps can revert to a pre-configured enterprise APN (Access Point Name)
connection meaning the device will always keep a separate mobile data
connection for enterprise- related traffic even if the network does not support
URSP delivery.
Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Packet Core at
Ericsson says: "As carriers and enterprises seek a return on their
investment in 5G networks, the ability to provide for a wide and varied
selection of use cases is of crucial importance.
Communications Service Providers and enterprises who can
offer customers the flexibility to take advantage of tailored network slices
for both work and personal profiles on a single Android device are opening up a
vast reserve of different uses of those devices.
By confirming that the new network slicing capabilities
offered by Android 13 will work fully with Ericsson network technology, we are
marking a significant step forward in helping the full mobile ecosystem realize
the true value of 5G."
Ericsson and partners have delivered multiple pioneering
network slicing projects using the Android 12 device ecosystem. In July,
Telefonica and Ericsson announced a breakthrough in end-to-end, automated
network slicing in 5G Standalone mode.
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