HPE and Ericsson unveiled a joint validation lab designed to help telecommunications (telco) service providers overcome key challenges in deploying multi-vendor infrastructure stacks. By validating a cloud-native, AI-powered dual-mode 5G core solution, the collaboration aims to meet the rising demand for high-performing, scalable, and efficient networks while simplifying the introduction of new services. This initiative empowers telcos to streamline operations, speed up innovation, and cater to the needs of an increasingly connected world.

The validation lab will act as a dedicated testing environment for interoperability assessments, ensuring that the integrated solution aligns with telco requirements. It combines Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core with HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 servers, HPE Juniper Networking fabric managed via Apstra Data Center Director, and Red Hat OpenShift.

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Fernando Castro Cristin, vice president and general manager of HPE’s Telco Infrastructure Business, said, “Building on our strategic partnership with Ericsson, this collaboration reflects HPE’s commitment to empowering telco service providers with innovative technology solutions to thrive in the 5G and AI-driven economy. By integrating Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core and Red Hat OpenShift with our proven next-gen HPE compute infrastructure and HPE Juniper Networking fabric, we are developing a new integrated offering that will provide telco service providers with the flexibility to deploy rapidly, scale on demand, adapt to unpredictable traffic, provide predictable lifecycle management, and keep pace with emerging technologies.”

The lab will validate a comprehensive stack that includes:

  • Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, supporting both 4G and 5G networks to reduce complexity and operational costs while future-proofing networks.
  • HPE ProLiant Compute DL360 and DL380 Gen12 servers, powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors, optimized for containerized core network functions (CNFs) like AMF, UPF, and SMF. The servers feature HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) 7, delivering chip-to-cloud security.
  • HPE Juniper Networking fabric, using QFX Series switches and Apstra Data Center Director to enhance operational efficiency with intent-based automation and AIOps-driven assurance.
  • Red Hat OpenShift, providing a unified cloud-native platform that allows telcos to develop, deploy, and scale services rapidly, reducing deployment cycles while ensuring operational consistency from core to edge.

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Krishna Prasad Kalluri, head of solution and portfolio at Ericsson Core Networks, added, “As the world’s leader in 5G and core networks, Ericsson is committed to drive innovation and openness, simplifying the journey to cloud-native networks for telco service providers. Our partnership with HPE and the establishment of this joint validation lab further advances the creation of cloud-native solutions for 5G Core on multi-vendor infrastructure.”

Located near Ericsson’s headquarters in Sweden, the lab is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. Customers will be able to conduct real-world testing and provide feedback, with the first half of 2026 focusing on validating the integrated solution to accelerate time-to-market and simplify lifecycle management.

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