Verizon and Ericsson have introduced a cloud native, container based technology on the core of Verizon’s active network in a proof-of-concept trial in a live network environment. This trial, what Verizon calls the first container-based wireless EPC (Evolved Packet Core) technology deployment in a live network in the world, introduces a much more efficient way to deliver operational applications that run the network. It's a platform that will increase agility and enable deployment at scale for new services in 4G and 5G, Verizon said.
The proof-of-concept trial took place in Hillsboro, Oregon and the deployment was conducted on Verizon’s commercial network, using Ericsson Packet Core Controller deployed as a cloud-native and microservice-based Mobility Management Entity (MME) in an existing pool. The software used leverages docker images and helm charts, with expected updates on the software from Ericsson every two weeks.
