Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom are bundling private cellular and edge computing into an integrated ‘campus’ networking package for enterprises globally. The pair are offering the same in Germany, already; their new deal extends to a global market. Ericsson is providing the LTE and 5G componentry, and T-Systems, Deutsche Telekom’s IT unit, is offering server hardware and software into the bargain.
The campus network is an operator-led concept that originates in Germany and makes public networks an integral part of the offer to enterprises, alongside dedicated LTE and 5G setups. The hybrid setup allows enterprises to use both private cellular, whether in vertical spectrum or in local allocations or slices of public networks, for highly-controlled on-site industrial IoT, and to roam onto public networks, as required.
Ericsson said in a statement: “Thanks to dedicated spectrum usage and quality of service mechanisms, the private network can provide more secure, reliable, and predictable 4G or 5G connectivity.” Typically, usage of the public network will be for non-critical devices and data, by contrast, both on site, and to cover flows of goods and people off site. Ericsson said the new campus bundle is well targeted at factories, logistics centres, airports, ports, oil and gas campuses, and power plants.
Adel Al-Saleh, chief executive at T-Systems and board member at Deutsche Telekom, said: “As enterprises look to scale up their digitalization and automation, working together with Ericsson enables us to meet global business needs quickly and securely. We can bring this technology to more customers in a way that is seamless, managed end-to-end, and scalable as customer needs evolve. We’re looking forward to seeing continued success in the marketplace thanks to this close collaboration.”
Thomas Norén, head of dedicated networks at Ericsson, said: “By joining T-Systems and Ericsson campus networks abilities, we are offering enterprises the ability to accelerate their path to Industry 4.0 with more advanced use cases. With the evolution to 5G, the networks will support applications that require even more bandwidth and lower latency. Ericsson’s portfolio of dedicated networks delivers reliable and secure wireless connectivity.”
Ericsson quoted a forecast from management consultancy Arthur D Little that the market for private campus networks, services, and solutions could be worth €60-70 billion by 2025.
