Ericsson launches enterprise 5G portfolio for efficiency boost

Ericsson has announced a new strategy to facilitate the adoption of 5G networks by enterprises. The company’s Enterprise 5G portfolio includes private 5G and neutral host 5G solutions, aimed at providing business-critical connectivity in both operational and public-facing environments. These solutions are intended to cater to the needs of various enterprise environments, including industrial and carpeted enterprises, enhancing innovation, safety, and operational efficiency.

Customers will have the capability to manage and deploy the entire Ericsson Enterprise Wireless platform using Ericsson NetCloud Manager. This comprehensive cloud management and orchestration platform is focused specifically on 5G technology. Ericsson's strategy includes multiple go-to-market and product investments intended to drive flexibility and simplicity throughout the entire lifecycle of network deployment, from acquisition to installation and operation.

Manish Tiwari, Head of Private Cellular Networks at Ericsson, elaborated on the limitations of current technologies and the benefits of the new portfolio. Tiwari stated, "As enterprises continue to increase automation, improve safety, and invest in seamless connectivity to meet end-user expectations, existing technologies such as Wi-Fi and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) often fall short due to technical limitations, cost, and complexity."

"Our Enterprise 5G portfolio addresses these requirements by leveraging Ericsson’s best-in-class radio, software, and managed-operations capabilities to enable flexible enterprise solutions."

The Ericsson Enterprise 5G portfolio is composed of three primary solutions:

• Ericsson Private 5G: A converged 4G/5G private cellular solution that supports industry and licensed spectrum, offering flexible deployment models, superior coverage, mobility, security, and low latency.
• Ericsson Private 5G Compact: A US CBRS-based solution designed for enterprises requiring robust connectivity in environments where Wi-Fi is deficient. This solution uses a simplified radio architecture and was previously branded as Cradlepoint NetCloud Private Networks.
• Ericsson Enterprise 5G Coverage: A neutral host solution certified by all major US carriers. It offers a scalable architecture compared to legacy DAS systems, resulting in an attractive total cost of ownership for enterprises.

The portfolio makes use of Ericsson's broader radio access network (RAN) portfolio, which includes the Radio Dot System for indoor deployments and small cell radios for outdoor use.

Additionally, acquisition costs are reduced through subscription-based packaging with optional services and added features. Ericsson has also invested in pre- and post-sales support, including vertical expertise and training for channel partners, enabling enterprise customers to focus on their business outcomes and innovation.

The solutions under Ericsson's Enterprise Wireless portfolio, including Enterprise 5G, Wireless WAN, and SASE, can be managed via NetCloud Manager. This platform offers simplified deployments with seamless provisioning and configuration capabilities, unified policy management, and comprehensive network visibility.

It supports effortless enterprise 5G network operations by leveraging AIOps to turn visibility into actionable insights for performance enhancement. Additionally, it streamlines lifecycle management, making updates, upgrades, and expansions easier. Innovative features such as indoor 5G positioning improve business outcomes by enabling high-accuracy asset tracking.

Pablo Tomasi, Principal Analyst for Private Networks and Enterprise 5G at Omdia, commented on Ericsson's strategic approach. He said, "Ericsson's strategic and comprehensive approach to evolving its private networking portfolio is addressing the growing demand for secure, high-performance connectivity in enterprises."

"Ericsson’s ability to meet customers where they are in their 5G journey with a unified experience will be critical in helping the market scale and enabling enterprises leveraging 5G to transform in a meaningful way."

In a related announcement, Ericsson also introduced new networked devices designed to complement private LTE, 5G, and coverage extension solutions, aimed at providing reliable connectivity where wired networking is unavailable or ineffective.