Virtual Technology Reinventing the Network Core

March 17, 2016

By Ernest Worthman

March 17, 2016 — Virtual network technology that will be essential for 5G is showing up in the network core. A new technology called “slicing” has debuted. Network slicing is considered a key technology for 5G core network infrastructure as it enables a single physical network to be portioned into multiple virtual mobile networks to offer optimal support for different services.

On the real bleeding edge, SK Telecom plans to unveil the first 5G device prototype designed to support communication between vehicles and demonstrate virtual reality games. Three-dimensonal holograms are being positioned to realize realistic communications, which are one of the edge-of-the-envelope platforms that promise to emerge in 5G.

And, a leading chip company, Cavium, is focused on enabling software-defined networking and network functions virtualization to support 5G network architectures.