Samsung Taps Amdocs to Combine 5G and Virtualization in ONAP

Samsung is partnering with Amdocs to help more mobile operators virtualize their networks in the 5G era. The companies say they will collaborate to integrate virtual network functions (VNF) with operators that use Samsung’s 5G network offerings in the Open Networking Automation Platform (ONAP). “This is less related to new capabilities for Samsung Network equipment and very much focused on supporting [communications service providers] in their journey towards 5G and network virtualization, and specifically the combination of the two,” Oren Marmur, VP and head of NFV at Amdocs, wrote in response to questions. Samsung will provide VNFs in the 5G core domain, and Amdocs will provide its software, NFV, SDN, and ONAP expertise to enable these VNFs into ONAP, Marmur explained. The effort will start with Samsung’s virtualized central unit function and eventually expand to other capabilities, including components of the 5G core, aimed at helping operators build a fully cloud-enabled 5G network, according to Amdocs.