Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) says it has introduced 5G network capabilities to several existing platforms that will enable operators to scale their current 4G networks. The company says its 5G network technology leverages an open, scalable design that enables products that both address stringent 4G and 5G network performance requirements and prepare for evolving demand characteristics.
According to Ciena, 4G and 5G networks will exist side-by-side on the same wireline network infrastructure, between cell sites, as well as to and from data centers, where accessed content is hosted. Reliability, latency, throughput, and security requirements will demand more than a basic network upgrade or expansion as mobile broadband and IoT traffic develops on these networks.
To fulfill such requirements, Ciena has added a range of new capabilities to its Waveserver and 6500 Converged Packet-Optical Platforms and 8700, 5100, and 3900 families of switches. They include:
· Programmable network slicing capabilities that enable network operators to logically partition and virtualize network resources from Layer 0 to Layer 3.
· A new deterministic packet capability to support 4G/5G converged fronthaul/midhaul networks delivering digital radio transport over standards-based Ethernet.
· New IP functionality to deliver required connectivity features for IP-based network infrastructures.
· Ciena's Blue Planet to manage, control, and plan multi-domain service orchestration and create and enable software-defined networking (SDN) management and control.
· Ciena's Design, Deploy, and Manage Professional Services to support maximized network infrastructure investment across the entire 4G to 5G evolution.
Ciena will demonstrate use of intelligent automation and edge computing capabilities for 4G/5G network slicing at the Mobile World Congress 2018, February 26-March 1, Hall 2, Booth 2J51.
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