NEC launches new UPF product for telecom operators, aiming to achieve networks for the Beyond 5G/6G
NEC Corporation, a leading global IT and network transformation
services provider, will launch a new User Plane Function (UPF) product for
telecom operators that can be used to process user data traffic in 5G core
networks. Offering an enhanced built-in Deep Packet Inspection (DPI, *1)
function enabling visualization of communications quality and the collection of
traffic data, an interface for external exposure that provides data to external
systems (external analyzers) for deep analysis, and multi-platform
compatibility, the new UPF will contribute to building the flexible,
high-value-added networks for the Beyond 5G/6G era.
Background behind the introduction of the new UPF
In the Beyond 5G/6G era, the application of mobile networks will expand to
Internet of Things (IOT, *2) devices, smart cities, and industries ranging from
construction and civil engineering to manufacturing. Accordingly, service-level
agreements (SLA, *3) will become more diversified, requiring low latency, high
reliability, stable throughput, and more. Networks compliant with such a wide
variety of SLA will require the flexibility to enable telecom operators to not
only grasp communications quality in a timely and precise manner but also to
properly reflect analysis results on the network side.
Keys to enhanced functionality
1. Real-time monitoring of communications quality and timely utilization of
data
To maintain and improve communications quality and reliability, the new UPF
facilitates real-time monitoring of communications quality and the acquisition
of data that can be used for traffic analysis. Information such as the type of
application utilized by the user, the volume of communications data for each
application, the throughput experienced, and the number of packets discarded is
necessary to fully comprehend and preserve communications quality. The
enhancement of the built-in DPI function has made it possible to visualize and
convert the data required for each application type used. As a result, telecom
operators can analyze traffic trends and carry out real-time monitoring of
communications quality for each application, thus contributing to higher
customer satisfaction through swift responses to reports from corporate
customers and users, the provision of new rate plans based on service trends,
and more.
2. External device linkage for the realization of SLA-guaranteed mobile
networks
The new UPF is equipped with an interface for providing a variety of data
acquired by monitoring communications quality to external analyzers. By
incorporating this interface, external analyzers can be used to quickly analyze
the data required to improve network operations, including the detection of
signs predicting poor connectivity due to degradation of communications quality
and the autonomous preservation of user experience quality. Improvements in the
accuracy of analyzers will accelerate the realization of SLA-guaranteed mobile
networks.
3. The construction of flexible networks through multi-platform compatibility
In the Beyond 5G/6G era, it is anticipated that coverage will expand to all
locations, including those not adequately covered by existing networks—namely,
the sea, sky, and space. It is also believed that all things will be connected
to networks. While up until now it has been commonplace for core networks to be
installed and operated within the private data center of telecom operators, it
is expected that there will be a need to utilize public clouds and install
servers closer to customers to perform data processing as coverage expands.
Based on open technology and infrastructure, this product enables packet
processing independent of specific platforms, making it possible to flexibly
respond to those needs. It not only gives telecom operators greater freedom in
building their networks, but it also reduces deployment time, accelerates
service delivery, and maximizes revenue.
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