The new Ericsson Compact Packet Core includes the cloud-native Packet Core Controller (PCC) and Packet Core Gateway (PCG) network functions on top of a compact, one rack, version of Ericsson's Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). It is a global solution with pre-defined parameter settings and streamlined migration procedures that simplifies transition to cloud-native and maximizes efficient return on investment in this key network infrastructure. Compact Packet Core fully supports 4G, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) networks, providing CSPs with the capabilities needed to meet their strategic and operational needs.

Compact Packet Core is launched with solution lifecycle management service where Ericsson oversees automated upgrades of the network. This brings benefits such as seamless upgrades, and networks that are always up to date with the latest software innovation and security.

Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Core Networks, Ericsson says: "With this solution we are providing a new approach for upgrading to cloud native and introducing 5G Core, built on our deep experience with the world's most advanced networks. It significantly simplifies modernization while unlocking the full potential of our world-class cloud-native software. We are proud to introduce the Ericsson Compact Packet Core for CSPs looking to accelerate their cloud-native journey and manage capacity growth."

A smoother migration of all subscribers to cloud-native

The new solution delivers the simplicity of the "appliance" approach and adds to it by inheriting the key benefits from being cloud native. It supports key cloud-native features such as automation, In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), Container-as-a-Service rolling upgrades (CaaS RU) and gives CSPs the flexibility to adapt the network to new use cases or workloads as they grow and evolve their services to customers.

It delivers an optimized and validated configuration for deployment of the packet core network functions on CNIS to maximize ease of deployment, migration, and software upgrades, reducing overall complexity. With the pre-defined configurations of this solution a CSP has 80 percent fewer parameters to adjust when deploying and will enable up to 30% reduction in energy and hardware footprint due to its inbuilt capability to support the latest CPU generations as they evolve.

The solution has been created to solve specific challenges that CSPs are facing when transitioning from legacy infrastructure and is designed to simplify operations across the board. It guarantees seamless service continuation and retention of a CSPs business logic underpinning its technological configuration during installation, migration, upgrades, and expansions. The proven Ericsson Packet Core software is used for all deployment scenarios including Compact Packet Core to secure interoperability.

Glen Hunt, Principal Analyst at GlobalData says: "It is no secret that CSPs face common and testing challenges when upgrading their cloud deployment models to introduce or expand the benefits of a cloud-native operating model or lead towards the deployment of 5G Core. Ericsson's Compact Packet Core removes the barrier to deployment that comes with lengthy interoperability and integration testing by virtue of being a pre-integrated solution, and its in-built configurations and reduced footprint demands mean a less costly, complex and time-consuming migration is possible."

The move to cloud native is well underway, with growing momentum evident in the market. As of October 2024, Ericsson has 120+ unique 5G Core or cloud native commercial contracts, with 55+ live dual-mode 5G Core solution customers (including EPC, 5G NSA and 5G SA live customers). Also clear is the growing appetite for 5G SA. Ericsson Mobility Report research indicates close to 60% of 5G subscriptions - 3.6 billion - will be 5G SA in 2030. Separate Ericsson research in Europe showed consumers are willing to pay up to 15% on top of their ticket to improve their connectivity and app experience at large events such as concerts or sporting occasions. 5G SA best allows CSPs to meet this requirement, by introducing differentiated connectivity offerings like reserving a part of their network to provide assured quality of experience for specific users or apps.

Ericsson was recently placed as a leader in the Market Landscape: Core Vendors 2024 report from analyst house Omdia, with the highest overall portfolio score of the vendors assessed having the top spot in both cloud native readiness, automation, and policy and charging. It was also named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for CSP 5G Core Network Infrastructure Solutions, and named top of Frost Radar 5G network infrastructure market ranking for the fourth year running in an analysis that covers RAN, transport and core networks.

Ericsson currently powers 37 of the world's 60+ commercially live 5G SA networks, with its RAN solutions and the cloud-native Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core solution.