Nokia and e& UAE unveil multi-access edge slicing at MWC 2024

Nokia has introduced a pioneering Multi-Access Edge Slicing technology, set to be showcased in collaboration with e& UAE at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. This innovative solution marks a significant leap in network technology, offering new premium slicing services across 4G/5G, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and Fixed Access (FA) networks. It enables a multitude of use cases and applications to run simultaneously, catering to the evolving connectivity needs of both enterprises and consumers.

Multi-Access Edge Slicing allows for unprecedented flexibility and efficiency in network use. For instance, a 4G/5G smartphone user can transmit business-critical data through a secure, high-performance network slice while concurrently engaging in a video call on another slice. Similarly, a household could utilize distinct slices for HDTV streaming or cloud gaming and for home office work, with each slice customized for specific network characteristics like routing, bit rate, QoS, latency, and security.

Nokia’s innovation extends support to a wide array of devices including laptops, tablets, game consoles, IoT devices, and specifically, new URSP (UE Route Selection Policy) capable multi-slice smartphones. Furthermore, it facilitates on-demand network slicing for applications requiring enhanced network performance, such as gaming applications running on edge cloud with low latency and dedicated edge resources.

Significantly, this technology also ensures slice service continuity across 4G, 5G, FWA/Wi-Fi, and FA/Wi-Fi, enabling e& UAE to deliver consistent subscriber experiences across all access network technologies. Based on industry standards from 3GPP and IETF, Nokia’s solution operates seamlessly in multi-vendor networks.

Complementing Nokia’s existing 5G edge slicing and edge cloud network slicing solutions, Multi-Access Edge Slicing empowers operators to offer scalable, cost-efficient enterprise VPN services over various geographical scales.

Khalid Murshed, CTIO at e& UAE, highlighted the commitment to driving the digital future through new technologies and innovations, with Multi-Access Edge Slicing playing a crucial role in offering innovative services to customers. Olivier Loridan, Senior Analyst at Omdia, and Ari Kynäslahti, Head of Strategy and Technology, Mobile Networks at Nokia, both underscored the potential of Multi-Access Edge Slicing in meeting the dynamic connectivity needs of today’s enterprises and consumers, reaffirming Nokia’s leadership in network slicing technology.

At MWC 2024, Nokia will demonstrate its Multi-Access Edge Slicing solution, showcasing the integration of its commercially available products and systems. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the advantages of network slicing and Nokia’s contributions to industry leadership in this domain.

Nokia’s launch of Multi-Access Edge Slicing, in partnership with e& UAE, is a significant development in telecommunications, promising to enhance the flexibility, efficiency, and security of network services. This innovation stands to revolutionize the way networks handle diverse and simultaneous demands, paving the way for more tailored and robust connectivity solutions in the digital age.