INTELLIGENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
Ericsson and Google demo how multiple network slices on a single Android 13 device can boost consumer and enterprise applications
I n their latest collaboration , the ecosystem partners have demonstrated support on Ericsson network infrastructure for multiple slices on a single device running Android 13 , supporting both enterprise ( work profile ) and consumer applications . In addition , for the first time , a slice for carrier branded services will allow communications service providers ( CSP ) to provide extra flexibility for customised offerings and capabilities .
Network slicing has long been seen as vital to capturing the value that a 5G network can provide for CSPs and enterprises . The market for network slicing alone in the enterprise segment is projected at US $ 300 billion by 2025 , according to the GSMA .
By demonstrating that a single device can make use of multiple slices , which are used according to the on-device user profiles and network policies defined at the CSP level , Google and Ericsson have shown a way to bridge the gap between the three important user groups .
The results were achieved in an interoperability device testing ( IODT ) environment on Google Pixel 6 Pro devices using Android 13 . The new release sees an expansion of the capabilities for enterprises assigning network slicing to applications through User Equipment Route Selection Policy ( URSP ) rules , which is the feature that enables one device using Android to connect to multiple network slices simultaneously .
Two different types of slices were made available on a device ’ s consumer profile , apart from the default mobile broadband ( MBB ) slice . App developers can now request what connectivity category ( latency or bandwidth ) their app will need and then an appropriate slice , whose characteristics are defined by the mobile network , will be selected . In this way either latency or bandwidth can be prioritised , according to the app ’ s requirements .
In an expansion of the network slicing support offered by Android 12 , Android 13 will also allow for up to five enterprisedefined slices to be used by the device ’ s work profile .
Monica Zethzon , Head , Solution Area Packet Core , Ericsson said : “ As carriers and enterprises seek a return on their investment in 5G networks , the ability to provide for a wide and varied selection of use cases is of crucial importance . Communications Service Providers and enterprises who can offer customers the flexibility to take advantage of tailored network slices for both work and personal profiles on a single Android device are opening up a vast reserve of different uses of those devices . By confirming that the new network slicing capabilities offered by Android 13 will work fully with Ericsson network technology , we are marking a significant step forward in helping the full mobile ecosystem realise the true value of 5G .” •
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