LG Uplus has decided to introduce next-generation transmission equipment from domestic equipment manufacturers Dasan Network Solutions and Ubiquoss to build a 5G commercial network.

The equipment being introduced this time is a "100G switch," a centralized switch that transfers data traffic between 5G wireless base stations and wired networks (i.e., mobile backhaul). It processes 46 times more data and 10 times faster than existing switches used in current LTE networks, while maintaining the same size and power consumption as existing equipment.

The 100G switch features Segment Routing (SR), a next-generation network technology that determines or adjusts traffic paths for each service. It is advantageous for traffic control, simplification of network operation, easy integration with products from other manufacturers, and support for next-generation technologies such as SDN.
Additionally, virtual private network (VPN) and software-defined network (SDN) technologies are applied to implement 'network slicing', which divides and transmits traffic of various characteristics to multiple virtual networks, thereby significantly increasing traffic processing efficiency.

LG Uplus has been developing next-generation transmission equipment with domestic equipment manufacturers since last year, and plans to sequentially adopt equipment from Dasan Network Solutions and Ubiquoss for its mobile backhaul network ahead of the full-scale construction of a 5G network in the second half of the year. In addition, after deciding to introduce transmission equipment from both manufacturers, we provided financial support to both companies and are jointly conducting equipment verification.

LG Uplus Network Development Manager Lee Sang-heon said, “Except for communication between smartphones and wireless base stations, 5G mobile communications will transmit data through wired networks for the remaining sections, so investing in stable, high-quality wired infrastructure is essential.” He added, “By introducing next-generation domestic transmission equipment, we will not only build a more advanced wired network but also create a model case for shared growth.”

Dasan Network Solutions CEO Won Deok-yeon said, “LG U+’s introduction of domestically produced equipment will serve as an opportunity to supply domestically produced equipment to overseas telecommunications companies preparing for 5G,” adding, “As Korea is the first country in the world to launch 5G services, we expect there to be many business opportunities in overseas markets.”

Ubiquitous CEO Lee Sang-geun explained, “This equipment, which supports IP/MPLS and the latest segment routing, will not only elevate domestic network technology to the next level, but is also expected to be used in public institutions, administrative networks, corporate networks, and national disaster networks in the future.”