T-MAMO, a single platform integration regardless of equipment manufacturer

SK Telecom announced that it will apply an integrated virtualization management platform based on international standards to its commercial network and build a world-class network virtualization environment based on it.

Mobile carriers, including SK Telecom, build mobile communication networks by introducing communication equipment from various manufacturers; however, by utilizing SK Telecom's virtualization integrated management platform 'T-MANO', network equipment and software can be managed in an integrated manner on a single platform regardless of the equipment manufacturer.

The advantage of virtualization lies in its ability to flexibly utilize necessary resources, such as by adjusting regional capacity allocations based on traffic volume. Previously, because virtualization standards varied by manufacturer, separate virtualization management platforms had to be developed and built for each company, which also limited communication network operations.

SK Telecom's strategy is to build a world-class virtualization environment to lead the innovation of 5G network structures, where virtualization is essential, starting with the application of 'T-MANO' to its commercial network.

To this end, SK Telecom plans to introduce virtualized equipment for 80% of its new switching equipment this year, and gradually increase the proportion so that 100% of the switching equipment introduced after 2019 will be built as virtualized equipment. In addition, there are plans to expand the application of virtualization technology to major LTE equipment in the future, starting with IP transmission equipment within this year.

Furthermore, SK Telecom provides the interoperability specifications of 'T-MANO' in the form of an API so that anyone can use them. This is expected to enable domestic small and medium-sized enterprises to develop virtualization equipment more easily, thereby contributing to the revitalization of the virtualization technology ecosystem.

Choi Seung-won, Head of Infrastructure Strategy at SK Telecom, stated, “By applying the integrated virtualization management platform to our commercial network, we have sufficiently laid the foundation for expanding virtualization technology, enabling us to provide better services to our customers,” adding, “We will build a world-class network virtualization environment in preparation for the upcoming 5G era.”