HPE & Ericsson launch lab to simplify 5G core deployments
HPE and Ericsson have announced a collaboration to establish a joint validation lab focused on simplifying deployment of next-generation 5G core networks for telecommunications service providers operating in multi-vendor environments.
The cooperation will leverage Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core, HPE's ProLiant Gen12 servers, HPE Juniper Networking fabric, and Red Hat OpenShift.
The aim is to provide telcos with a means to validate cloud-native and AI-enabled 5G core solutions designed for scalability, performance, and operational efficiency.
Validation lab
The validation lab is intended to facilitate interoperability testing, which will help ensure that integrated solutions meet the requirements of telco customers and work seamlessly across a variety of technology stacks. The environment will be used to test how the combined stack performs and integrates, helping operators reduce complexity when rolling out new services.
The integration brings together Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core solution with HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 servers, HPE Juniper Networking fabric managed by Apstra Data Centre Director, and Red Hat OpenShift. This suite is positioned to allow service providers to manage complex workloads, scale rapidly, and support both 4G and 5G networks.
Industry statements
"Building on our strategic partnership with Ericsson, this collaboration reflects HPE's commitment to empowering telco service providers with innovative technology solutions to thrive in the 5G and AI-driven economy," said Fernando Castro Cristin, Vice President and General Manager, Telco Infrastructure Business, HPE.
"By integrating Ericsson's cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core and Red Hat OpenShift with our proven next-gen HPE compute infrastructure and HPE Juniper Networking fabric, we are developing a new integrated offering that will provide telco service providers with the flexibility to deploy rapidly, scale on demand, adapt to unpredictable traffic, provide predictable lifecycle management, and keep pace with emerging technologies."
Ericsson has outlined its intention for the partnership to support operators in adopting more open and cloud-native network architectures.
"As the world's leader in 5G and core networks, Ericsson is committed to drive innovation and openness, simplifying the journey to cloud-native networks for telco service providers," said Krishna Prasad Kalluri, Head of Solution and Portfolio, Ericsson Core Networks.
"Our partnership with HPE and the establishment of this joint validation lab further advances the creation of cloud-native solutions for 5G Core on multi-vendor infrastructure."
Technical components
The solution stack to be validated at the lab consists of several components. Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core supports both 5G and 4G networks, aimed at reducing operational costs and complexity for operators. HPE's ProLiant Compute DL360 and DL380 Gen12 servers, which incorporate Intel Xeon 6 processors, are designed to optimise network performance for containerised core network functions such as AMF, UPF, and SMF. Security features are enhanced through HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) 7, which provides security from the chip to the cloud.
HPE Juniper Networking high-performance fabric is included, built on QFX Series switches and managed by Apstra Data Centre Director, offering intent-based automation and AIOps-driven assurance. Red Hat OpenShift serves as the cloud-native platform, giving telco providers the ability to develop, deploy, and scale new network services more quickly by providing automated processes from core to edge.
Development timeline
The joint validation lab will be based near Ericsson's headquarters in Sweden and is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. Customers will be able to use the facility to test solutions in conditions that reflect real-world deployments, providing feedback to refine systems further.
During the initial operational phase, the focus will be on validating the integrated solution to ensure it supports faster time-to-market and simplified lifecycle management for service providers. The lab's mission includes enabling faster deployment cycles, improving lifecycle management, and supporting the introduction of new technologies in telecom networks.
