Ericsson Launches Compact Packet Core for Seamless 5G Transition

Ericsson has launched the Compact Packet Core, a cutting-edge solution designed to simplify the transition to cloud-native infrastructure and enhance ROI for Communication Service Providers (CSPs). This global solution integrates the Packet Core Controller (PCC) and Packet Core Gateway (PCG) network functions with a compact, one-rack version of Ericsson’s Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). Fully supporting 4G, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) networks, it allows CSPs to meet both their strategic and operational needs efficiently.

The Compact Packet Core comes with pre-defined parameters and streamlined migration procedures that significantly simplify the transition to cloud-native technologies. It also offers solution lifecycle management services, ensuring automated network upgrades to keep systems up-to-date with the latest software and security features. These automated upgrades bring significant benefits, including seamless transitions and continuous innovation, while reducing operational complexity.

Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Core Networks at Ericsson, emphasized the impact of this launch, stating, “With this solution, we are providing a new approach for upgrading to cloud-native and introducing 5G Core. It significantly simplifies modernization while unlocking the full potential of our world-class cloud-native software.”

The Compact Packet Core also includes several advanced cloud-native features such as automation, In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), and Container-as-a-Service (CaaS) rolling upgrades. These features provide CSPs with flexibility to scale and adapt the network as they expand their services. The solution offers 80% fewer parameters to adjust during deployment, reducing the complexity of installation and software upgrades. Additionally, it helps reduce energy consumption and hardware footprint by up to 30% due to its ability to support the latest CPU generations.

Ericsson’s solution is designed to address the challenges CSPs face when transitioning from legacy infrastructure to cloud-native models. It guarantees uninterrupted service during installation, migration, upgrades, and expansions while retaining the business logic of a CSP’s network configuration. Ericsson Packet Core software, used across all deployment scenarios, ensures interoperability with existing network setups.

According to Glen Hunt, Principal Analyst at GlobalData, the Compact Packet Core removes traditional barriers to deployment by offering a pre-integrated solution with in-built configurations. This reduces both the complexity and time needed for migration, making it more cost-effective for CSPs to transition to cloud-native architectures.

The move to cloud-native is gaining momentum globally, with Ericsson now holding 120+ unique 5G Core or cloud-native contracts and serving over 55 live dual-mode 5G Core solution customers. Research from Ericsson Mobility Report indicates that by 2030, 60% of 5G subscriptions will be 5G Standalone (SA), signaling a significant shift toward next-gen connectivity. Ericsson’s research also reveals that consumers are willing to pay up to 15% more for improved connectivity at large events, further showcasing the demand for differentiated 5G services.

Ericsson has been recognized as a leader in multiple industry reports, including Omdia’s Market Landscape: Core Vendors 2024, Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for CSP 5G Core Network Infrastructure Solutions, and Frost Radar™ for 5G network infrastructure. Currently, Ericsson powers 37 out of 60+ commercially live 5G SA networks, demonstrating its leadership in enabling global 5G transformation.

The launch of the Ericsson Compact Packet Core further solidifies Ericsson’s position as a key player in the cloud-native transformation of telecommunications networks, offering CSPs a seamless path to 5G and beyond.