Background:

Wireless carriers are working rapidly to deploy 5G technology alongside their existing 4G networks. The heart of these implementations is the 5G Core, which utilizes a new network architecture that enables the power of 5G while supporting previous generations of wireless technology for greater efficiency. 

The 5G Core provides faster speeds, higher bit rates, ultra-low latency and greater reliability, along with cloud-native multi-access edge computing (MEC) technologies. Built-in automation and advanced data analytics allow operators to become more flexible and agile and deliver an enhanced customer experience.

MEC is a standard architecture developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute to take advantage of multiple wired and wireless access technologies in the edge computing environment. “Multi-access” means that edge devices can connect using virtually any network access point that is one hop away.

MEC works in concert with 5G to provide users with secure, low-latency access to distributed applications. Mobile edge applications run as virtual machines on top of a virtualized host that supplies compute, storage and networking resources and routes traffic between applications, services and networks.

 

Project Summary:

The 5G Core uses advanced technology, often involving collaboration between mobile carriers and cloud providers. Because the technology is highly complex and must be deployed across multiple data centers, implementation requires technical expertise, strong project management and logistical precision. In many cases, the major wireless carriers lack the in-house resources to meet the aggressive timelines of their 5G Core initiatives.

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SirviS has been very active in the design, architecture and buildout of 5G Core solutions since 2018, and is slated to deliver more than 2,000 units across the domestic U.S. for one carrier alone. The SirviS team builds out 5G Core solutions in its Global Integration Center and then deploys the equipment to core data centers. SirviS field integration specialists receive the equipment at each site and work with the customer’s engineering team to implement it.

 

Initiatives of this scope are often the domain of large distributors and integrators with massive facilities. However, size isn’t necessarily a strength with projects that can be very unpredictable. The SirviS team has proven not only its technical and logistical effectiveness, but its agility in addressing changing project requirements. SirviS has been able to scale up very rapidly to meet spikes in project demand, while having the flexibility to support rollouts in rural areas with limited hardware needs but greater logistical challenges. Additionally, SirviS does not resell technology products, focusing instead on integration, implementation and support services.

 

Project Specifics:

Some 5G Cores house upwards of 25 to 50 servers along with other equipment that covers the gamut of the hardware sector. Some core data centers house as many as 25 fully loaded cabinets, with the value of the IT equipment in each unit ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million.

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The servers, storage, networking gear and security appliances must all be configured and integrated to meet the customer’s specific requirements. While the 5G Core architecture has commonalities across all carriers, each customer may adopt equipment from different manufacturers. As a result, individual 5G Core solutions are unique in their configuration and mix of OEM hardware.

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SirviS has put together a team of engineers and technicians who have received extensive training on these rollouts. When new members are added to the team, they shadow individuals who are already advanced in the practice of delivering 5G Core products and services.

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Each 5G Core unit is built and tested in the SirviS lab, and shipped within its cabinet to the site where it’s to be installed. In most cases, it’s simply “plug and play” once the unit reaches the core data center, minimizing onsite disruption. SirviS has partnered with very strong logistical freight companies to handle the packing, shipping and delivery of the equipment. SirviS doubled its already high levels of liability insurance to ensure adequate coverage for the 5G Core equipment that is temporarily warehoused in SirviS facilities before it is moved across the country.

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Results:

SirviS has proven technical, logistical and field service capabilities for the delivery of 5G Core technology, backed by a highly scalable lab and integration environment. The SirviS team assists wireless carriers in the configuration, integration, testing, buildout and deployment of 5G Cores across their environments. SirviS is able to meet aggressive project timelines, while enabling the carrier’s in-house team to focus on the day-to-day operation of their existing infrastructure.