Samsung Electronics announced on the 25th that it will jointly develop Software Defined Networking (SDN)-based network core equipment (EPC: Evolved Packet Core) with SK Telecom.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is the next-generation communication technology attracting the most attention from the global mobile telecommunications industry, and companies around the world are focusing on technology development and the discovery of new services.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) separates the control portion of network equipment from the data traffic forwarding portion to configure data transmission routes more efficiently.

In particular, network core equipment (EPC) utilizing Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology is characterized by providing optimal traffic paths without passing through the central core network, depending on the subscriber or service type.

Mobile carriers can establish the shortest path for data transmission through network core equipment (EPC) equipped with Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology, thereby improving Quality of Experience (QoE), eliminating unnecessary network load, enabling rapid fault resolution, and reducing investment costs.

In particular, applying Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology enables the provision of diverse and flexible network services (Network as a Service) tailored to specific users and subscription plans, while utilizing existing networks (Network Slicing). As a result, companies, universities, public institutions, and others can receive private network services by utilizing existing networks built by mobile carriers without the need to construct new communication networks.

Furthermore, the risk of information leakage is expected to be significantly reduced when Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology is applied. This is because it becomes possible for organizations such as companies, hospitals, and public institutions to transmit critical data directly near base stations without having to route it through the central internet network.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology also provides faster response speeds (low latency) because it utilizes the shortest traffic path near the base station. This is expected to enable various real-time data services that will arrive in the future 5G era, such as cloud gaming and remote driving, which require immediate response to user commands.

Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom plan to lead next-generation network innovation at a global level by developing network core equipment (EPC) utilizing Software Defined Networking (SDN) and collaborating on standardization by this coming October.

Park Jin-hyo, Head of Network Technology at SK Telecom, stated, “Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a core next-generation technology for innovating mobile carriers’ network and cloud infrastructure,” adding, “We plan to efficiently accommodate surging mobile data traffic and provide differentiated multimedia services through the development of Network Core Equipment (EPC) technology.”

Park Dong-soo, Executive Vice President and Head of Development at Samsung Electronics’ Network Business Division, stated, “Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology is crucial for efficient network operations and the introduction of innovative services utilizing mobile communication networks,” adding, “Samsung Electronics will continue to lead the realization of next-generation mobile communication technology through technological leadership.”