Swisscom is upgrading its wireless transport network in the latest landmark in its preparations for its forthcoming 5G network.
Fresh from holding Switzerland’s first 5G NR data call with Ericsson this week, the operator is working with the Swedish vendor on the project, which involves its Router 6000 solution and core routers from Juniper and will connect its 4G and 5G networks to a virtual core built on the cloud.
Ericsson said the technology would reduce latency, improve network performance and boost scalability, as well as lessen complexity
The vendor will take responsibility for Swisscom’s 4G and 5G networks from the base stations to the data centre, hosting the likes of IMS and packet core, as well as managing network slices.
Heinz Herren, outgoing CIO and CTO at Swisscom, said: “Seamlessly managed and orchestrated, this [project] reduces our complexity and affords a more efficient, high-performing network.”
The project is in addition to a separate ongoing transport network reinvention, which relates to its wireline network and is being carried out by Huawei. It started earlier this year.
Ericsson announced yesterday that it was adding products from Juniper Networks and ECI Telecom to its new transport solutions for fronthaul and backhaul.
Swisscom is aiming to launch a commercial 5G service by the end of this year. It announced this week that it had switched on its first antenna in the city of Burgdorf, with plans to strengthen 5G connectivity in that area over the coming months.