NTT DATA launches cloud-native 5G SA campus in Munich
NTT DATA, a leader in digital business, IT, and telecommunications services, has today announced it is launching an end-to-end cloud-native 5G standalone (SA) campus network in Munich, Germany in partnership with Mavenir, a cloud-native networking software provider. Based at NTT’s “Ensō - The Space for Creators" facility, the aim of the campus is to develop solutions and services for private as well as public 4G and 5G networks, which will be realised through NTT Group's global network.
"NTT DATA was an early adopter of 5G-only networks and is a pioneer in virtualised campus networks”, said Ralf Malter, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at NTT DATA DACH. "With our cloud-native 5G SA network in combination with O-RAN, we are now taking the next step and developing attractive solutions that are exciting for many industries worldwide”, he added.
The advantages of 5G and cloud-native mobile networks
5G offers several advantages over previous mobile technologies. These include a higher data transmission rate, very low latency, the ability to connect a very large number of end devices and sensors, and specific functions for industrial users. This makes 5G mobile radio technology more compatible with Industry 4.0 applications compared to previous mobile radio generations and other radio technologies.
Cloud-native mobile networks have desirable advantages such as the ability to be built on standard servers as well as a standard IT stack, which makes them highly scalable and more cost-effective. Open Radio Access Networks’ (O-RAN) interfaces also enable the combination of different hardware and software providers.
According to NTT DATA, the 5G campus network in the "Ensō - The Space for Creators" is unique in Germany. One reason for this is the end-to-end cloud-native 5G SA solution which focuses on the interoperability of the 5G networks and how they can be integrated into the existing telecommunications and IT infrastructure. To achieve this, the 5G network is seamlessly combined with a Wi-Fi 6, which is controlled via 5G and edge-core cloud architecture, the company said.
Kai Grunwitz, Managing Director of NTT Germany, said: "By connecting the 5G network to the NTT Data Center, we can map a complete company IT infrastructure in Ensō and, based on this, create use cases together with the companies as well as develop E2E solutions, for example for user and device management with SIM card solutions as well as for security aspects”.
Talking about the partnership with NTT DATA, Aniruddho Basu, Senior Vice President of Emerging Business at Mavenir, said: “We are working with NTT DATA on innovative projects and are breaking new ground together so that companies can reduce their dependence on system suppliers and the costs of development and operation”. Mavenir will provide the cloud-native software for the campus network.
Image: Munich, Germany (Getty).
