Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) provides important mechanisms to make operator networks more agile and operationally efficient. Ericsson is now bringing NFV to an industrial scale with a full suite of virtualized network applications, combined with consulting and systems integration services. Based on an open, telecom-grade cloud execution environment, efficient end-to-end solutions and more flexible deployments are enabled.

As part of its commitment to NFV, Ericsson is launching its virtual Evolved Packet Core. This development of the market-leading Evolved Packet Core opens the way for new operator opportunities in the areas of M2M, enterprise and distributed cloud for rural mobile broadband. All these services use Ericsson Cloud System for efficient operations.

Jan Häglund, Head of Product Area IP & Broadband at Ericsson says: "At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona we are launching virtual Evolved Packet Core to support operators' transition to a network-enabled cloud. Based on our open platform Ericsson Cloud System, the real-time networking capabilities of Ericsson Service Provider SDN and our Telecom Cloud Transformation service, we support operators' next step to enable the networked society and provide innovative services."

Virtualisation is done of all Evolved Packet Core components with full feature compatibility with native Evolved Packet Core, as well as complementary functions such as content caching and optimization offered by Ericsson's Media Delivery Network. Together with common operations and support system and smooth migration paths Ericsson provides unique features across native and virtualized network nodes.

Ericsson's complete virtual Evolved Packet Core includes virtual Evolved Packet Gateway, virtual SGSN-MME, virtual Service-Aware Policy Controller and virtual Service Aware Support Node. Ericsson will demonstrate cloud and NFV applications with real-time performance at Mobile World Congress 2014. We will show virtual Evolved Packet Core running on Ericsson Cloud System using third-party hardware as well as how our products allow virtual network functions to be aggregated to full service solutions for rapid deployment.

During Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona, Spain, Ericsson is showing world-leading technology and service capabilities and innovations. We believe that anything that benefits from a connection will be connected, and we lead the way with solutions that drive the development in mobility, broadband and the cloud, creating the foundation for eco-systems and transformation across industries. We are your guide in the Networked Society.