Ericsson Cloud Packet Core

Building on market leading virtual Evolved Packet Core (EPC) applications, we are dedicated to supporting our customers on a smooth evolution from EPC to dual mode core operations, 5G EPC and 5GC. We ensure flexibility, fast time to market and efficiency in operations. On the way, Ericsson Cloud Packet Core - which supports more than 100 commercial virtual EPC customer networks - today provides a variety of use cases. Some of these are brand-new and are enabled by this new technology, while others are currently evolving use cases with a new level of automation and speed. For example:

• Mobile broadband - Modernizing and managing capacity growth, adding sites, and migrating to datacenters. From complete virtual EPC and user management deployed in a single COTS server for thousands of users to more traditional large-scale MBB operations with more than 10 million subscribers in tier 1 carriers.
• Massive IoT - Introducing network slices for massive IoT with decoupled lifecycle from consumer MBB service. The value of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) as well as continuous deployment, and decoupled slice lifecycles are proven with service providers who introduce a constant stream of new software to get access to the latest features. This enables new IoT devices network connectivity for Cat-M and NB-IoT.
• Enterprise - Dedicated instances for critical enterprise deployments. With enterprise slices deployed on-prem at oil rigs, medical manufacturing sites, and steel plants we are really taking the first step towards Industry 4.0.
• VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling - Introducing new communication services with fast rollout supported by full virtual EPC and IMS applications. 

Smooth network evolution from EPC to dual mode core operations

Our Cloud Packet Core portfolio supports network slicing already in 4G. This allows for multiple logical networks to be created on top of a commonly shared physical infrastructure and acts as a step towards a 5G Core architecture. The network evolution from EPC to 5G core plays a central role in creating a powerful network platform that is capable of being exposed and automated for service providers. This means service providers extract more value and become contributors to existing and emerging ecosystems. Some of the key aspects in our Cloud Packet Core portfolio include:

• Cloud infrastructure agnostics - The ability to address multiple customers' needs as we're optimizing virtual EPC performance and workflows together with the leading cloud providers VMware & Red Hat in addition to our end-to-end system verified Ericsson NFVi solution.
• Automation - Continued focus on DevOps, CI/CD, Automated Acceptance Tests (AAT) and automated workflows which have been proven to reduce OPEX in testing with up to 65 percent for service providers such as Swisscom.
• Evolution path towards 5G - Verified 5G end-to-end support including 5G radio and terminals as well as proven capabilities to manage high peak rates. This is enabled via a smooth evolution whereby the same uniform cloud software system can be deployed to support both 5G None-Stand Alone and 5G Stand Alone 3GPP architectures, i.e. a true 5G dual-mode core operation.

At Ericsson, we're dedicated to supporting your network with a smooth evolution from EPC to dual mode core operations. Making the wrong choices can result in a fragmented core with the opposite results. Whether you have a complete Ericsson core already in place, if there are a few building blocks on site, or whether you’re using a legacy EPC from another vendor, it doesn’t matter. Our offering supports any core network evolution journey. So be a first mover with new network-related technologies – we’re here to guide you through your upcoming evolution.