Samsung’s 5G portfolio now supports mobile access and improved automation for end-to-end networks.
Samsung Electronics recently announced that it is releasing a new set of upgraded software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for 5G network applications and infrastructures. The new lineup features centralized management and end-to-end automation for easier and faster deployment of 5G services. According to the tech giant, mobile operators and enterprises from various sectors such as education, retail and energy can expect flexible programmability and improved support for automation. This includes mobile access support via xHaul, which covers fronthaul, midhaul and backhaul transport networks. Samsung’s SDN solutions portfolio currently already supports data center operations.
Samsung stated in a press release that its SDN portfolio has now expanded its capabilities to include “all layers of the SDN architecture” such as controllers, orchestrators, switches and routers. Samsung has dubbed the portfolio “SDN-in-a-box” due to its easy integration process. The solutions can be used in various applications, including data center SDN, enterprise SDN and mobile access (xHaul) SDN.
All Samsung SDN solutions offer cloud-native, open-source programmability, which is based on the Open Network Operating System (ONOS). It can support various kinds of open interfaces for multi-vendor interoperability, which means mobile operators will now be able to seamlessly integrate with third-party switches and routers. The portfolio has also incorporated automated end-to-end network slicing to help organizations fulfill service-level agreements (SLA), including at the transport level. Enterprises can then utilize various business models, offering more optimal networks and customized services to their customers. In addition, the lineup features an enhanced 3D-based user experience design that provides organizations with a simplified view of the network under a unified management platform.
SDN technology makes it possible for organizations to control networks through centralized software solutions instead of hardware-based systems. The main characteristic of SDN-enabled networks is how it separates the control plane and forwarding plane. By distancing these two key elements, organizations can adjust network-wide traffic flow, enabling better agility and operational efficiency within the network.
Sohyung Chong, senior vice president and head of software research and development for Samsung Networks Business, shared how there is now a demand for networks to be agile in the 5G era. “With an architectural shift from hardware-based deployment to software-centric network design, SDN is highly secure, scalable, and adaptable, especially helpful in advancing private networks,” stated Samsung in a press release.
As enterprises are continuously adding more and more virtualized services and revenue streams, designing and managing networks has also largely been transformed. SDN has mainly been used in data centers and enterprise environments. However, Samsung’s latest solutions offering is expected to accelerate deployments for 5G service providers with faster time to market. The South Korean tech giant was the first to deliver end-to-end 5G solutions as well as hardware components, RF modules and core solutions. Its 5G solutions portfolio also includes fully virtualized RAN, private network solutions, and AI-powered automation tools.
Samsung’s SDN will help operators and enterprises rapidly introduce new 5G applications, services, and infrastructures, driving faster time to market,” shared Chong.
For more information, visit the Samsung Newsroom.