Ericsson (News - Alert) has formed a triumvirate with ECI Telecom and Juniper Networks so it can more effectively move on the 5G opportunity.
The Swedish networking giant says the alliances will enable it to deliver solutions that address the core, radio, and transport layers of the network. And alignment between these various layers is very important for 5G use cases, Ericsson says.
“Our radio expertise and knowledge in network architecture, end-user applications and standardization work put us in an excellent position to understand the requirements 5G places on transport. By combining our leading transport portfolio with best-in-class partners, we will boost our transport offering and create the critical building blocks of next-generation transport networks that benefit our customers,” says Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks at Ericsson.
Ericsson brings to the table its Router 6000 mobile backhaul solution, which is used by nearly 50 operators; its MINI-LINK microwave solution, which more than 110 operators use; and an array of other 5G solutions – including the indoor 5G Radio Dot, the FDD Massive MIMO solution, the AIR 6468 NR radio, and more.
ECI Telecom (News - Alert) lends a hand with its optical transport solutions. And Juniper contributes its core and edge routing solutions as well as its security products. All of the above are interoperable with Ericsson’s transport gear and will be managed by Ericsson’s management and orchestration solution.
“Commercial 5G is expected to represent close to a quarter of all global network traffic in the next five years,” commented Juniper Chief Product Officer Manoj Leelanivas. “With both companies bringing together industry-leading network technology, Juniper and Ericsson will be able to more effectively capitalize on the immense global market opportunity in front of us and help our customers simplify their journey to fully operational 5G networks.”
Ray Le Maistre of Light Reading (News - Alert) notes that Ericsson’s alliances with ECI Telecom and Juniper are especially interesting given the Swedish company has been long-time allies with Ciena and Cisco (News - Alert). But he adds that “the relationship between the Swedish vendor and Cisco has gone to the dogs.”
Edited by Maurice Nagle