Ericsson has introduced the Compact Packet Core, a purpose-built solution that helps Communication Service Providers (CSPs) migrate to cloud-native networks more efficiently. Packaged in a single compact rack of Ericsson’s Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), the offering brings together the cloud-native Packet Core Controller (PCC) and Packet Core Gateway (PCG) network functions for a streamlined deployment.
Designed as a global, pre-configured solution, the Ericsson Compact Packet Core simplifies migration and configuration with standardized settings and tested procedures. This approach aims to reduce complexity, accelerate time-to-market and optimize the return on investment in critical network infrastructure.
Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Core Networks at Ericsson, noted that the Compact Packet Core represents a fresh way to upgrade to cloud-native technologies and introduce 5G Core based on Ericsson’s experience with advanced networks. The solution reduces modernization friction while unlocking the advantages of cloud-native software, helping CSPs speed their cloud-native journeys and better manage capacity growth.
The Compact Packet Core supports 4G, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) deployments, enabling CSPs to address both strategic goals and day-to-day operational needs. One prominent feature is its lifecycle management service: Ericsson provides automated upgrades and maintenance to keep networks current with software improvements and security patches, easing operator burdens.
Combining appliance-like simplicity with cloud-native functionality, the Compact Packet Core offers automation, In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), and Container-as-a-Service rolling upgrades (CaaS RU). These capabilities give operators flexible tools to adapt networks to changing workloads and new use cases, making it easier to scale services when needed.
Pre-validated and optimized configurations reduce deployment, migration and upgrade complexity. Ericsson reports that the solution can cut the number of configuration parameters by as much as 80% compared with more customizable deployments, and deliver up to a 30% reduction in energy consumption and hardware footprint. This validated approach helps minimize integration work, shorten deployment timelines and lower operational cost.
Built to ease the transition away from legacy systems, the Compact Packet Core preserves CSPs’ existing business logic and service continuity during installation, migration, upgrades and expansion. It uses Ericsson’s established packet core software to ensure interoperability across deployment scenarios, including Compact Packet Core setups, reducing integration risk.
Industry analysts see benefits in a pre-integrated product. Glen Hunt, Principal Analyst at GlobalData, observes that CSPs often face lengthy interoperability and integration testing when moving to cloud-native architectures or expanding 5G Core. A pre-integrated, pre-configured solution like Ericsson’s lowers those barriers and can make migrations less costly, complex and time-consuming.
Ericsson’s momentum in cloud-native deployments is notable. As of October 2024, Ericsson reported more than 120 unique 5G Core or cloud-native commercial contracts and over 55 live dual-mode 5G Core customers, covering EPC, 5G NSA and 5G SA live deployments. The shift to 5G SA is expected to accelerate: industry research cited by Ericsson projects that by 2030 nearly 60% of 5G subscriptions — about 3.6 billion connections — will be 5G SA.
In practical terms, 5G SA unlocks new service opportunities for CSPs. Research in Europe shows consumers are willing to pay for enhanced connectivity at major events such as concerts and sports fixtures. Using 5G SA, operators can offer differentiated services—reserving network capacity to guarantee performance for particular users or applications, for example.
Ericsson currently supports many commercial 5G SA networks worldwide, combining its RAN products with a cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core solution. The Compact Packet Core adds to this portfolio by delivering a compact, pre-configured option for operators seeking a faster, lower-risk path to cloud-native core and 5G capabilities.
(Image Credit: Ericsson)
See also: T-Mobile denies it’s ditching Nokia for Ericsson
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