PLDT Selects Converged SDN Transport by Cisco to Deliver 5G Services

Philippines’ digital services provider PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications are now ready to deliver 5G services on the new converged SDN transport infrastructure provided by Cisco.

This is a critical milestone which has completely transformed PLDT’s network transport architecture, delivering on its promise to build one of the most modern transport networks in Asia.

The transformation to a converged SDN transport network simplifies the network, increases capacity and improves scalability while maintaining a consistent and superior customer experience.

It is capable of concurrently supporting fixed and mobile services pertaining to consumer broadband, enterprise, small and medium businesses, retail and wholesale business models, real-time immersive experiences, as well as IoT connectivity and value-adds.

The new network is an end-to-end IP and optical network enabled with segment routing, providing a unified, policy-aware network architecture with seamless integration between the transport and the data centre domains. Segment routing also provides the network with the most cost-effective end-to-end network slicing and low latency capabilities, which are key 5G requirements.

With a central SDN controller enabling automated operations, PLDT is able to reduce costs with the simplification of the network, removing redundant layers, legacy technologies and overlapping functionalities.

“Following the announcement of our collaboration in April 2019, we have worked closely with Cisco and now have a transport network that can unleash the full potential of 5G while allowing PLDT to deliver a consistent, superior customer experience regardless of the network utilization," said Joachim Horn, Chief Technology and Information Advisor of PLDT and Smart Communications.

“Together with PLDT, we have delivered a 5G-ready network with converged IP and optical layers that is designed to exceed all PLDT consumer and business customer needs,” said Sanjay Kaul, President, Asia-Pacific and Japan, Cisco Service Provider Business. “Our focus is to ensure that PLDT has a strong foundation from which to grow revenues, reduce costs and mitigate risk.”