KT Successfully Demonstrates 5G Network Cloud Transition with Nokia

Installing Network Function Web API on the Cloud
Software Updates Enable Use with Equipment from Other Manufacturers

KT announced on the 7th that it has successfully demonstrated the cloud transition and commercial network application of the 5G network's wireless section in collaboration with Nokia. KT and Nokia officials are seen verifying the results of the 5G network cloud transition demonstration. Photo by KT

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] KT announced on the 7th that it has successfully demonstrated the cloud transition of the wireless section of the 5G network and its application to commercial networks in collaboration with Nokia.

In this demonstration, KT built a cloud environment using general servers based on x86 CPUs and installed Nokia's software-based 5G base stations and 5G core. Based on this, they simulated a failure in the 5G network within the cloud environment and demonstrated the process of remotely recovering the failure through software.

The cloud-based 5G network (5G CNN) demonstrated by KT is characterized by installing network functions as web APIs on a cloud composed of multiple general (COTS) servers without physically building the hardware of 5G base stations.

Previously, network equipment specifications varied by telecommunications equipment manufacturers, making interoperability difficult. However, in the 5G CNN environment, equipment from different manufacturers can be used together through software updates. This enables reductions in investment costs required for wireless network construction and operational costs for network management.

Since the commercialization of 5G in 2019, KT has been building 5G base station concentrators and 5G core equipment in virtualized forms to flexibly construct and operate networks. Through this demonstration, they have secured key technologies necessary for the evolution of next-generation communication networks.

Additionally, research is underway on the structure and application of the Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC), a software platform that controls and optimizes base station functions. This technology will be used to optimize 5G CNN base station resources.

Hyochan Han, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Nokia Korea, stated, "Nokia is committed to continuously conducting research and development to supply customers with desired solutions and competitive products in a timely manner. We will continue to do our best as the optimal partner to help KT lead communication technology."

Jongsik Lee, Senior Executive Director and Head of Infrastructure DX Research Institute at KT Convergence Technology Institute, said, "The transition to cloud-based wireless networks signifies a shift to a software-centric telecommunications equipment ecosystem. KT will continue to promote coexistence and cooperation to establish an open wireless network equipment ecosystem involving not only existing telecommunications equipment manufacturers but also various IT and software manufacturers."