Philippines’ PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications have announced complete transformation of PLDT’s network transport architecture to deliver 5G services. The new converged SDN transport infrastructure is provided by Cisco.
The transformation to a converged SDN transport network simplifies the network, increases capacity and improves scalability while maintaining a consistent and superior customer experience. It is capable of concurrently supporting fixed and mobile services pertaining to consumer broadband, enterprise, small and medium businesses, retail and wholesale business models, real-time immersive experiences, as well as IoT connectivity and value-adds.
The new network is an end-to-end IP and optical network enabled with segment routing, providing a unified, policy-aware network architecture with seamless integration between the transport and the data centre domains. Segment routing also provides the network with the most cost-effective end-to-end network slicing and low latency capabilities, which are key 5G requirements.
With a central SDN controller enabling automated operations, PLDT is able to reduce costs with the simplification of the network, removing redundant layers, legacy technologies and overlapping functionalities.
Joachim Horn, Chief Technology and Information Advisor, PLDT and Smart Communications
Following the announcement of our collaboration in April 2019, we have worked closely with Cisco and now have a transport network that can unleash the full potential of 5G ..
Sanjay Kaul, President, Asia-Pasific and Japan, Cisco Service Provider Business
Together with PLDT, we have delivered a 5G-ready network with converged IP and optical layers that is designed to exceed all PLDT consumer and business customer needs.
