Korea’s SK Telecom has developed new packet switching technology that it claims will be able to process data traffic up to 10 times faster than 4G.
Packet switching acts as the gateway between voice and data traffic and wireless networks, but can only deal with a maximum speed of 20GBps on current LTE networks.
SK Telecom has claimed the technology it developed can hit speeds of 200GBps on the same server or break through the terabit per second barrier when virtual servers are added. The Korean operator described the latter as a world’s first for packet switching technology.
Additionally, the operator said it has made packet switching equipment smaller, which makes it easier for operators to offer lower latency services by deploying them at base stations.
Park Jin-hyo, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Technology R&D Center at SK Telecom, said: “Ultra-fast packet processing technology is essential in delivering best quality of 5G services.
“It is a significant result for SK Telecom as this virtualisation-based high performing equipment could enable us to deliver a faster, efficient 5G rollout.”
The operator is also hosting a technology showcase later this month as it looks to demonstrate its 5G innovations and also explore the possibility of international collaboration.
Last week, Telefónica and ZTE held trials of new transport network technology, which reduced forward latency and protection switching times.
Deutsche Telekom, Rostelecom and Wind Tre are among the European operators who have recently launched new testbeds.