SK Telecom today announced that it has successfully pioneered a new technology, which will help 5G network equipment to process data traffic 10 times faster than LTE.  

The breakthrough technology enables packet switching equipment to process high-volume traffic at breakneck speed in 5G networks. Packet switching equipment serves as a gateway for both voice and data traffic generated from mobile devices to access wireless networks. The new development would also help to accelerate SK Telecom’s progress for the 5G rollout as it delivers a faster, stabilized processing wireless traffic.

In the existing LTE network, the maximum speed for packet switching per server stands at 20 gigabits per second. With the latest technology, however, the speed will reach 200 gigabits per second at the same server and can even break the terabit-per-second barrier with the addition of virtual servers. The network innovation developed by SK Telecom is the world’s first implementation of the terabit-per-second capability for packet switching.

Also, the new technology helps make packet switching equipment compact, enabling network operators to deploy them at base stations and therefore implement ultra-low latency for more traffic in 5G services.

The mobile carrier plans to propose its new development to 3GPP and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Network Functions Virtualization Industry Specification Group as a candidate for global standard. It expects that its ultra-fast packing processing technology will contribute to a faster 5G rollout.

“Ultra-fast packet processing technology is essential in delivering best quality of 5G services,” said Park Jin-hyo, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Technology R&D Center at SK Telecom. “It is a significant result for SK Telecom as this virtualization-based high performing equipment could enable us to deliver a faster, efficient 5G rollout.”

Meanwhile, SK Telecom is hosting a meeting with various stakeholders of potential 5G services in November to showcase the company’s leading capabilities for the 5G network operation and explore opportunities for collaboration with other international carriers.