Unpacking the labyrinth of terminologies, technologies, and transitions that pave the way for modern mobile connectivity demonstrates an industry in constant flux. In the cosmos of telecommunications, the onset of 5G marked a quantum leap, introducing new levels of performance, experience, and potential. While 5G builds on existing 4G infrastructure, 5G SA operates on a dedicated 5G Core, offering enhanced performance, reduced latency, and greater reliability. This distinction is crucial for understanding the true potential of increased performance, resilience, and programmability. The underlying solution is how to grow, innovate, and offer new services to consumers.
Achieving this milestone in evolving mobile communication services is not a solitary pursuit. It’s a shared mission with mobile operators and telecommunication service providers leading the charge. The focus shifts to provisioning services that not only leverage the capabilities of 5G SA but also refine customer experiences. This approach ensures that the full spectrum of 5G capabilities is harnessed to provide premium experiences that meet diverse user needs and expectations.
A brief overview of the current landscape
The 5G landscape today is varied, reflecting a broad spectrum of services and competencies that mobile operators offer. When 5G was first launched, there was a rush to get it out on phones. This initial rollout primarily involved 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) technology, which merges new 5G elements with the existing 4G core network. As a result,
We now stand at an intriguing crossroads where the challenge lies in building and enhancing the 5G network to deliver experiences that cater to discerning consumers’ need for connection like never before. With the advent of 5G Standalone (5G SA), which comes together with a new 5G Core architecture, it is possible to fully release the power of 5G offering unprecedent improved performance, reduced latency, and greater reliability.
What is Differentiated Connectivity
Let’s discuss the terminology first. Differentiated connectivity refers to the strategic use of 5G SA technology to deliver premium experiences meeting the diverse needs of various consumers and businesses. This approach moves beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all model, offering levels of performance, reliability, and latency to suit different requirements.
Differentiated connectivity enables consumers and businesses to experience connectivity that is specifically aligned with their requirements, ensuring more efficient and reliable service delivery. Through this, differentiated connectivity aims to unlock the full potential of 5G networks, fostering innovation and enabling a new realm of digital experiences.
The concept is operationalized through the creation of preconfigured network slices designed to meet specific needs, such as advanced adaptive buffering for fluctuating data demands or fixed immediate for consistent data flow. This framework allows for the flexible and scalable deployment of 5G SA services, tailored to diverse scenarios ranging from live broadcasting in crowded settings to efficient factory operations. By moving beyond the conventional best-effort model, differentiated connectivity promises enhanced performance, superior service quality, and the opening of new opportunities for service providers and users alike.
Through smart application of technology like network slicing, service providers can carve out multiple logical networks from a shared infrastructure, each optimized for distinct use cases such as high-speed data services for consumers, dependable low-latency connections for critical industrial applications, or massive IoT deployments. The goal of differentiated connectivity is to enable more efficient use of network resources, provide superior customer experiences, and unlock new revenue opportunities for service providers by catering to the unique demands of our digital age.
Catalyst for change, speeding the uptake of 5G Standalone
From the eyes of consumers and businesses, the initial deployment of 5G networks has proceeded at a measured pace. The current rollout has significant implications for the adoption of innovative technologies and the realization of innovative use cases that 5G promises to enable. Without broad and consistent 5G coverage, many of the transformative applications of 5G, from smart cities to telemedicine and beyond, cannot be fully realized or scaled.
The promise of 5G extends beyond mere speed improvements. It’s about enabling a new wave of technological advancements and use cases. However, for these advancements to materialize and for innovation to flourish, a more rapid and widespread adoption of 5G Standalone and accompanying ecosystems, such as device vendors and app developers, is needed.
The role of network slicing in 5G
Network slicing offers a very efficient way for telco operators to deliver differentiated connectivity. It emerges as a foundational element within the 5G landscape, offering a versatile and scalable platform for delivering services tailored to meet specific demands. But how exactly does network slicing redefine the relationship between service providers and their customers, and what implications does this have for the future of personalized connectivity?
Network slicing: A game changer
The main aim of network slicing is to deliver dedicated virtual channels that prioritize differentiated connectivity characteristics like uplink and downlink throughput, latency, and more security and traffic isolation. With that, operators can align their resources more closely with the diverse needs of their applications. This approach brings an unmatched level of flexibility and efficiency to the telecom industry.
What sets this method apart is its relationship between slice types and use cases. A single type of network slice can cater to multiple applications if they share similar connectivity requirements. For example, a slice optimized for high downlink throughput could serve ultra high-definition (4K and beyond) video streaming services and large-scale file transfers. This synergy between network slicing and use cases not only streamlines network management but also significantly speeds up the deployment process, enabling operators to scale their operations and meet subscriber and enterprise customer demands with unprecedented agility.
This evolution towards pre-configured slices represents a significant leap forward. It moves the industry beyond the era of tailor-made solutions for individual use cases towards a more dynamic and scalable approach. Operators can now deploy specialized services faster than ever, a critical capability in a landscape where speed and adaptability are key competitive advantages.
Real-world application: From stadiums to TV broadcasts
The marriage of 5G SA connectivity and network slicing bears fruit in real-world scenarios that demand a higher degree of granularity with consistent and reliable performance. Consider sports venues saturated with fans eager to share what is happening and get a more immersive experience, crowd and security control, television broadcasting, orchestrated with the finesse of a maestro. Dedicated networks slices serve different users and application needs relegate traditional network constraints to irrelevance, empowering telcos with services that match the pulse of the user.
Addressing diverse needs across industries
The success stories of enterprises that have embraced differentiated connectivity resonate with the triumph of innovation over convention. From streamlining operations to unlocking new revenue streams, the ripple effect of enhanced 5G experiences is large across these narratives of transformation and triumph.
In the city of Kaohsiung, a pioneering region in Taiwan, the advent of 5G SA technology through network slicing has brought a significant upgrade to law enforcement operations. The introduction of the 5G Smart Patrol Car solution marks a leap forward in leveraging technology to bolster public safety. This cutting-edge application, tailored specifically for the Kaohsiung City Police Department, harnesses the power of 5G SA to transform standard patrol vehicles into high-tech hubs capable of advanced license plate recognition.
The core of this innovative solution lies in its integration with high-resolution photography devices and an AI-driven image analysis system. These tools empower patrol cars to instantaneously identify vehicles reported as stolen. The magic happens with the support of Ericsson’s end-to-end 5G network slicing technology, which ensures high data throughput and low latency. This combination allows for the seamless transmission of data from the moving patrol cars to the police database, enabling real-time recognition of license plates captured by the onboard devices.
What sets this application apart is the purpose-built network slice to serve the police department’s requirements. This customized network service ensures flexibility and quality of service, significantly boosting the efficiency and situational awareness of law enforcement officers on the ground. The ability to immediately act upon real-time information not only enhances the capacity to recover stolen vehicles but also amplifies the overall safety and security of the city. Through the deployment of the 5G Smart Patrol Car solution, Kaohsiung is setting a benchmark in the innovative use of 5G technology for public safety, showcasing how targeted technological advancements can make a tangible difference in municipal services.
In a nearby corner of the world, at the Singapore Grand Prix, an event known for drawing massive crowds, the implementation of network slicing proved instrumental. Beyond offering uninterrupted connectivity, this advanced technology provided a tiered viewing experience that catered to the demands of diverse audiences. Premium subscribers enjoyed high-definition live-streaming video without the annoyance of lag, setting a new standard for digital event attendance.
For those willing to invest in premium access, the benefits were clear. They received not just connectivity but an enhanced viewing experience characterized by crisp, clear visuals and lag-free real-time action leveraging the full capabilities of 5G SA and network slicing, which allocated dedicated bandwidth and optimized network resources specifically for these high-demand subscribers. In contrast, regular attendees, while still connected, encountered varied bandwidth and experienced fluctuations in video quality due to network congestion, resulting in lower definition and occasional streaming jitter. The success of this first application turned into a business mode where the CSP is now offering premium event passes for other events, which not only proved the ROI for the pilot but also allowed for the recurring potential of additional revenue.
This distinct difference in user experience underscores the potential of 5G to transform how event organizers and broadcasters deliver content. By effectively utilizing network slicing, they can now offer service differentiation that meets the the needs of of both premium and standard plan subscribers, ensuring that all attendees, regardless of their subscription level, remain engaged with the event. This approach not only enhances viewer satisfaction but also opens new revenue opportunities, marking a significant shift in the live event broadcasting landscape.
Empowering service providers with advanced tools
To move beyond theoretical discussions into practical advancements, service providers must leverage advanced tools capable of harnessing the full spectrum of 5G’s capabilities. This necessity for sophisticated technological solutions underscores the imperative for innovation and strategic deployment. However, many customers currently ask, “Why should I reinvest in 5G?” when they have not finished investing in previous upgrades.
The answer lies in the distinction between 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) and 5G Standalone (SA). While 5G NSA merges 5G with existing 4G Core Network, resulting in underpowered performance, only. For service differentiation to be enabled and commercialized efficiently and at scale, customers must move away from 4G network limitations.
By adopting 5G SA, service providers can redefine network management and customer experience in a continually evolving landscape. This evolution is essential for meeting the growing demands for connectivity, allowing for enhanced performance, reduced latency, and greater reliability. Ultimately, the shift to 5G SA represents a critical step toward
Launching a comprehensive suite of differentiated services
Ericsson’s ongoing quest to enable differentiated connectivity continues to evolve, marking a significant milestone with the introduction of an advanced toolkit for mobile operators. This suite, while providing new and relevant functionalities, represents just one step in a continuous journey toward realizing the full potential of differentiated connectivity. Designed to meet the dynamic needs of providers as they navigate the complexities of a connected future, this toolkit enhances the ability to explore and implement tailored connectivity solutions.
Far from signaling the culmination of Ericsson’s efforts, the development of this toolkit underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and leadership within the telecom industry. Ericsson is actively engaged in expanding its suite of solutions, focusing on enabling premium services, efficient utilization of network resources, simplified management processes, and streamlined monetization strategies for differentiated connectivity capabilities.
By reinforcing its dedication to this ongoing quest, Ericsson not only sets the bar for industry excellence but also empowers operators with the tools necessary to explore the vast possibilities of differentiated connectivity. This approach ensures that as the landscape of digital communication continues to evolve, Ericsson and its partners remain at the forefront, ready to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Exploring Ericsson’s advanced toolkit for radio and core networks
Ericsson’s advanced software toolkit is specifically designed to meet the evolving demands of telcos , enabling them to deliver at committed performance levels for critical use cases. This includes facilitating lag-free mobile cloud gaming, ensuring seamless real-time media for video conferencing and live broadcasts, and supporting the operation of remote-controlled machines and vehicles. Anticipating the future, the toolkit also lays the groundwork for next-generation XR (extended reality) applications, showcasing Ericsson’s commitment to pioneering ultra-low latency and high-reliability connectivity solutions.
At the core of this offering are significant enhancements such as improved Massive MIMO algorithms and 5G Core upgrades, essential for enabling data boost upsell opportunities and tailoring services to specific user needs or application demands. By equipping CSPs with these sophisticated tools, Ericsson not only reinforces its dedication to excellence but also empowers the telecommunications industry to explore new horizons in digital connectivity. This initiative underscores Ericsson’s vision of advancing a truly ‘connected’ future, driving innovation, and meeting the stringent requirements of modern digital services.
The power of Ericsson service orchestrator and assurance capabilities
Ericsson’s Service Orchestrator and Assurance capabilities are pivotal to the architecture of differentiated services, serving as a critical bridge in the seamless integration of service orchestration with network performance within the dynamic environment of 5G networks. These tools are designed to ensure a smooth transition from the conceptual stages of network service design to real-world application, thereby facilitating an unparalleled consumer experience. Key to this process is the automation of workflows, which moves towards a zero-touch order-to-activation system. This automation is crucial for enabling multi-domain orchestration and assurance, which together ensure that services are delivered efficiently and effectively across various network segments. By automating these processes, Ericsson dramatically reduces the complexity and potential for error in deploying and managing network services, ensuring that each customer interaction is both flawless and rewarding.
Furthermore, Ericsson’s orchestration and assurance functions play an indispensable role in the commercialization of new services, the operationalization of network slicing, and the industrialization of operations to achieve significant economies of scale. The orchestration portfolio is extensive, offering solutions that allow for the control and automation of networks, the creation of customized functionalities, and the management of service and application layers for a myriad of network services. Ericsson’s approach to service orchestration and assurance not only enables superior service experiences and seamless operations but also facilitates closed-loop automation within both telco and enterprise domains. This strategic integration and automation effort leads to better business outcomes by driving innovation at scale, enhancing customer satisfaction, and paving the way for future advancements in the telecommunications industry.
Navigating the challenges and opportunities
Despite the promising horizon painted by the advent of 5G and its differentiated services, the path forward is fraught with technical and business challenges. Adoption across industries signifies a monumental shift in technology, strategic vision, and customer engagement. How can service providers and industries alike traverse this complex landscape to unlock the full potential of 5G, and what unforeseen challenges will they need to overcome to ensure success?
Monetization strategies for Differentiated Connectivity
Monetization in the digital age offers new, tangible opportunities for operators to innovate beyond traditional models. With the ability to sell services and experiences, operators can now ensure the delivery of network requirements based on end-user and business needs. This opens avenues for various subscription models, including:
- Performance-based subscriptions offer enhanced connectivity for activities like gaming or high-quality streaming, catering to the demand for premium experiences during specific times or events.
- One-time subscriptions for temporary needs, perfect for event attendees requiring high-speed internet access to enhance their experience or professionals needing reliable connectivity for critical tasks.
These strategies require a deep understanding of customer behavior and market dynamics. By creating value through differentiated experiences, operators can attract and retain customers willing to pay for services that meet their demands. This approach stands out in a crowded market and fosters a loyal customer base, eager for the unique value propositions that traditional one-size-fits-all models cannot provide.
The road ahead for telecom operators
The road ahead for telecom operators is paved with the elevated expectations of an increasingly connected world, where everything from smartphones to smart cities demands seamless connectivity. To meet these challenges, telecom operators must optimize network resource allocation. Additionally, they need to review their offering models externally, provide diverse types of connectivity, and capture their value beyond the current best-effort model used.
Furthermore, there’s a significant opportunity for operators to foster symbiotic relationships with enterprises eager to leverage the transformative potential of 5G innovations. By doing so, they can unlock new revenue streams and drive the development of innovative services. To navigate this complex landscape, operators must chart their course carefully, leveraging the comprehensive arsenal of technological tools, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ericson’s differentiated connectivity proposition is yet nascent but burgeons with the promise of a more connected, personalized future. The onus now lies on operators wielding this power judiciously to enable and capture premium experiences on the network. Every connection is poised to ease this journey for CSPs, offering them tools and strategies to master the complexity tools, finding ways to create new revenue streams from connectivity services, and ensuring networks can manage a digital society’s growing needs.
The complexity of these challenges underscores the immense potential for innovation and transformation within the telco sector. As CSPs stride forward, the horizon is luminous with the promise of a future where connectivity is ubiquitous and seamlessly integrated with the fabric of our daily lives, empowering societies and economies alike. The dawn of this new era in telecommunications, shaped by the pioneering spirit of those willing to chart the unknown, paints an optimistic outlook for a world more connected and enriched by the limitless possibilities of 5G technology. There is more to come before we step into the age of 6G for sure.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Kostya Klimenko. The picture in the body of the article was prepared by Evgeniy Shkolenko.
