An innovative virtual software-defined mobile packet core to enable optimized and flexible user-centric services for next generation mobile networks

Project Information

Cumucore

Grant agreement ID: 877967

DOI

10.3030/877967

Project closed

EC signature date 21 July 2019

Start date 1 August 2019

End date 31 January 2020

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

CUMUCORE OY
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Cumucore (An innovative virtual software-defined mobile packet core to enable optimized and flexible user-centric services for next generation mobile networks)

Reporting period: 2019-08-01 to 2020-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Cumucore Oy brings to the market Cumucore, a software-based 4G/5G mobile packet core as an enabler for mobile operators to dynamically scale up or down their core network based on real network usage and end-user demand. In addition, through our SDN-based network slice manager, we also improve network monitoring and traffic redirection to efficiently use the current capacity and dynamically avoid congestion while shaping the network to the service needs.
Our main objectives pursue evolve Cumucore to meet the stringent communication requirements imposed by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the Industry 4.0.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

From the feedback gained through the trials performed, we have specified the technical requirements to implement a scalable MVP of our solution. We have also defined the use cases (Cloud LTE core, NB-IOT Network Slicing and AR/VR Media Broadcasting) and the validation requirements to perform the pilot demonstrations. In particular, we have also specified the functionality of the User Equipment (UE) and validated its integration with the rest of the software modules of Cumucore. We also performed a technical risk analysis and prepared a contingency plan based on the initial risks identified. Additionally, we extended our market analysis and updated the financial forecast accordingly.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Cumucore will contribute to reduce the operating costs particularly related to logistics and machinery/equipment in percentage of around 30%. In addition, Cumucore will help maximize staff safety in sensitive (remote and dangerous) areas with real-time video surveillance and automatic, hazard detection thus delivering sound savings for the clients due to reduced operating expenses to undertake surveys. Finally the manufacturing industry is expected to advance rapidly through faster and effective inspections due to predictive intelligence enabled by Cumucore enabling: 1) Defect rates reduced parts per million (PPM) by 88%; 2) Unit production increased 33% per hour; and 3) Assembly-line staff reduced by 50%. Additionally, Cumucore solution has the potential to impact industry by reducing the carbon footprint of up to 75% compared to conventional mobile operators’ hardware-based deployments, thanks to the usage of network virtualization (NFV) and the implementation of an optimized Linux footprint (for environments with limited network resources).

Company logo