HPE, Ericsson Partner to Validate 5G Core for Seamless Networks

A new joint validation lab established by HPE and Ericsson aims to address the complex challenges telecommunications providers face when deploying multi-vendor 5G infrastructure. This initiative focuses on validating a cloud-native, AI-enhanced dual-mode 5G core solution, enabling service providers to build high-performance, scalable networks capable of supporting rapid service innovation in an increasingly connected digital environment.

The lab will serve as a dedicated testing environment for interoperability, ensuring the combined technology stack meets stringent telecommunications standards. This integrated solution brings together Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core with HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 servers, HPE Juniper Networking fabric managed by Apstra Data Centre Director, and Red Hat OpenShift.

Fernando Castro Cristin, Vice President and General Manager of Telco Infrastructure Business at HPE, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “Our collaboration with Ericsson underscores HPE’s dedication to providing telco providers with advanced technology that helps them succeed in a 5G and AI-driven marketplace,” he stated. “By integrating Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core and Red Hat OpenShift with our proven HPE compute infrastructure and HPE Juniper Networking fabric, we are creating a new integrated offering. This will give telecommunications companies the flexibility to deploy quickly, scale on demand, handle unpredictable traffic, ensure predictable lifecycle management, and keep up with emerging technologies.”

Key components of the integrated solution under development include:

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, an industry-leading platform that supports both 5G and 4G networks. This capability significantly reduces operational complexity and costs for operators aiming to scale efficiently while future-proofing their network investments.

HPE ProLiant Compute DL360 and DL380 Gen12 servers, which are powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors. These servers deliver optimized performance for network-intensive containerized core network functions (CNFs) such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), User Plane Function (UPF), and Session Management Function (SMF). They also provide comprehensive built-in security through HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) 7, offering protection from the chip level to the cloud.

HPE Juniper Networking high-performance fabric, utilizing QFX Series switches and Apstra Data Centre Director. This component boosts operational efficiency and lowers operating costs through intent-based automation and AI-driven operations (AIOps) assurance.

Red Hat OpenShift serves as the common cloud-native telecommunications platform, granting providers the agility to develop, deploy, and scale new services rapidly. It accelerates time to market and shortens traditional deployment cycles by delivering a consistent, automated operational experience from the core to the edge, thereby simplifying the management of advanced network functions.

Krishna Prasad Kalluri, Head of Solution and Portfolio for Ericsson Core Networks, commented, “As the global leader in 5G and core networks, Ericsson is dedicated to fostering innovation and openness, making the transition to cloud-native networks simpler for telecommunications providers. Our partnership with HPE and the creation of this joint validation lab represent a major step forward in developing cloud-native 5G Core solutions for multi-vendor infrastructure.”

Located near Ericsson’s headquarters in Sweden, the validation lab is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025. It will allow customers to conduct real-world testing and provide feedback. Beginning in the first half of 2026, the lab’s focus will shift to validating the fully integrated solution, with the goal of ensuring faster time-to-market and streamlined lifecycle management for telecommunications service providers.

(Source: ITWire Australia)