Cisco and DISH Wireless have entered a multi-layered partnership to accelerate the rollout of 5G services across the United States.
Together they plan to build what they describe as the first “smart” 5G network in the U.S., designed to serve diverse industry needs through network slicing and advanced automation.
Under the agreement, DISH will offer slices of its open network tailored to the requirements of different industry verticals. Cisco will supply technology and automation capabilities that enable the network to predict issues, self-heal, and self-optimize using closed-loop automation for transport network slicing.
Charlie Ergen, Chairman of DISH, said:
“DISH has compiled an outstanding roster of partners in the wireless industry and Cisco is a key player helping us launch a customizable, automated 5G network optimized for enterprise performance. Working with Cisco is central to achieving our goal of delivering a best-in-class experience for enterprises. Our ability to continually drive value and enhance capabilities for our customers is a key differentiator for DISH and positions us to disrupt the industry with more innovation, speed, agility, and security.”
DISH will leverage Cisco’s latest cloud networking and automation software, along with end-to-end lifecycle services from Cisco Customer Experience (CX).
Cisco will provide IOS-XR operating system support for 5G, backhaul, and fronthaul transport via its NCS series routers, segment routing to enable automated traffic management and network slicing, Nexus 9000 series switches with an Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) fabric for data center switching, and a Crosswork Network Controller to serve as the transport domain controller.
The 5G deployment will use automated Cisco XRv9K virtualized routers running on AWS, together with virtual Cell Site Routers (vCSR) deployed at tower sites.
Chuck Robbins, CEO and Chairman of Cisco, commented:
“Cisco and DISH are disrupting the mobile and enterprise markets by launching cloud-powered 5G services in record time through innovative technologies, fostering new application development and improving the overall customer experience. Together, we look forward to helping businesses across industries transform their networks to support the evolution of hybrid work models, the transition to Network as a Service (NaaS) offerings, and the expansion into new markets including IoT.”
As part of the multi-layered agreement, DISH will also join Cisco’s Reseller and Managed Services Program to bring private 5G services to enterprise customers.
(Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash)
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