Accommodating network equipment on a single platform
Core technologies of 5G and intelligent networks

KT announced that it has successfully applied Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) technology, which accommodates network equipment separated by service into a single platform, to a commercial network for the first time.

Network virtualization technology is a technology that replaces each hardware device required for network configuration with software on a general-purpose server, and is one of the core technologies of 5G and Intelligent Networks.

Until now, network virtualization technology developed domestically was limited to only one type of network equipment per platform. The technology introduced by KT to its commercial network this time can simultaneously virtualize multiple network equipment for various services, such as NB-IoT, on a single platform in addition to the existing LTE network.

Furthermore, KT explained that network virtualization technology saves space and time for network equipment deployment and enables automatic control of network systems, allowing for the easy accommodation of hyper-connected future services such as connected cars and the flexible delivery of various services to a rapidly increasing number of devices.

KT announced that it is further developing its network virtualization platform and expanding its adoption to enterprise-dedicated LTE services and 5G, and that it successfully tested network virtualization technology for core equipment for the 5G pilot service to be showcased in PyeongChang in 2018 last November.

Kim Young-sik, Senior Vice President and Head of the INS Division at KT’s Network Group, stated, “Network virtualization technology is one of the core next-generation network technologies for the future and can provide differentiated value to customers,” adding, “We will further develop network virtualization technology to showcase more stable and successful 5G pilot services and complete an intelligent network.”