Ciena has unveiled a range of new 5G Network Solutions to help operators scale their current 4G networks, while simultaneously preparing for the impending evolution toward 5G.
Ciena said the 5G Network Solutions are designed to provide the scale and automation operators need to deliver a superior end-to-end user experience in this environment and usher in a new age of mobile connectivity.
The solutions are composed of Ciena’s industry-leading Converged Packet Optical (6500 and Waveserver) and Packet Networking (3900 family, 5100 family, 8700 Packetwave) platforms – as well as new products and capabilities, including:
- New deterministic packet capability that will support 4G/5G converged fronthaul/midhaul networks offering digital radio transport over standards-based Ethernet
- New IP functionality that will provide the necessary connectivity features required for IP-based network infrastructures
- Programmable Network Slicing capabilities that will allow network operators to logically partition and virtualize network resources from Layer 0 to Layer 3
With Ciena’s 5G Network Solutions, operators also benefit from Ciena’s Blue Planet Manage, Control and Plan and Multi-Domain Service Orchestration software that provides enhanced network orchestration, analytics, and end-to-end SDN-based network control, said the Company.
Steve Alexander, CTO, Ciena
With expected 5G performance gains ranging from 1,000 times the volume of data to ten times the reduction in latency, operators need to prepare their end-to-end wireline network now.
Monica Paolini, Principal Analyst, Senza Fili Consulting
Ciena’s 5G Network Solutions can help operators minimize risk and achieve a faster return on investment by supporting both 4G and 5G services on a shared infrastructure and incorporating field-proven wireline technology.
