HPE launches as-a-service portfolio for open 5G network requirements

Enterprise information technology (IT) giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has launched a new set of open 5G network solutions for telecommunication companies.

The San Jose, California based firm said the new portfolio of as-a-service solutions will help telcos incorporate more automation, agile process and deploy faster 5G services into the core and the edge of their operations.

HPE will use a cloud-native software stack for 5G core, an optimised telco core, along with edge infrastructure blueprints with the backing of Wi-Fi 6 for the new as-a-service offerings.

“Openness is essential to the evolutionary nature of 5G and with HPE 5G Core Stack telcos can reduce operational costs, deploy features faster and keep themselves open to multiple networks and technologies while avoiding being locked-in to a single vendor approach,” Phil Mottram, vice president and general manager of the Communications and Media Solutions business unit at HPE, said.

At the core of the telecommunication network, the HPE 5G Core Stack will help in faster delivery of 5G services to subscribers and enterprise customers.

At the edge of the telecom network, the stack will serve as a general-purpose platform to enable Virtual Radio Access Networks (vRAN) and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC).

Higher frequencies of 5G have trouble penetrating buildings. The use of 5G RAN and Wi-Fi 6 networks in enterprise scenarios will help telcos provide uninterrupted services in areas such as shopping malls and offices.

For enterprises who need 5G services at their edge, HPE Aruba Central will provide the enterprise edge with 5G roaming as well as service level agreement (SLA) offerings.

“These services help telcos extend the 5G footprint to the enterprise edge – where people, devices and things interact,” HPE said.

HPE will also offer their consumption-based IT model, HPE GreenLake on a pay-as-you-go, managed services and elastic model forms. The IT giant claimed this will allow telecom players to reduce upfront capital investments.  The HPE 5G Core stack will be available in both integrated software and hardware platforms. It is expected to be rolled out globally in the second half of 2020 through HPE GreenLake as-a-service.

The market for 5G in the Asia Pacific region is expected to reach $125 billion by 2025, according to a recent report by global research firm, Frost & Sullivan.  Another study by GlobalData said that the APAC region will lead 5G adoption by garnering close to 1.14 billion users by 2024, capturing 65% of global 5G subscriptions. 

An Infosys report last year highlighted that 57% of enterprises bet on 5G for new revenue streams.

Technology companies such as Dell EMC, Lenovo and HPE have entered the 5G telecom space hoping to disrupt costs and speed of deployment. These three companies, along with the other big players such as Intel, Qualcomm and Nokia have showcased significant advancements in 5G and are in the race to woo telecom players that are expected to soon close large 5G deals. 

In India, telecom giant Airtel has partnered with networking solutions provider Cisco to roll out its 5G ready and enhanced network.