Unified SDM — One Subscriber Platform from 2G to 5G SA
The Summa Networks Unified SDM combines HLR, HSS and 5G SA UDM functions in a single software platform — so operators can evolve from 2G/3G through LTE to 5G SA with no complex migrations and no new products to deploy.
Why 5G Evolution Demands a Unified SDM
5G is THE buzzword in the Telecom industry — a technology that brings a new paradigm in communications, a myriad of innovative services, and a fundamental change in how networks are engineered, built and operated.
A new Radio standard (5G-NR) together with a new core Architecture — AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), UPF (User Plane Function), SMF (Session Management Function) — based on HTTP protocol for communication between network nodes, promises higher speeds and lower latency so networks can operate more complex systems and take faster decisions for services like autonomous cars and remote surgery.
5G is defined in 3GPP releases 15 and beyond, introducing a Service-Based Architecture (SBA) with HTTP/2 over TCP. However, achieving the promise of 5G is not simple for many carriers — a new radio interface and a new core mean significant investment while many operators are still deploying 4G (LTE).
3GPP established Non-Standalone mode (NSA) and Standalone mode (SA) to address this. NSA reuses existing LTE networks while SA uses a next-generation core. Both modes bring a critical need: a subscriber data layer that works across all generations — UDM functionality must be accessible as both an HSS and, in many cases, as an HLR.
5G Research & Standardisation Roadmap
One Platform, From LTE to 5G SA
Summa Networks is evolving its HLR/HSS solution into R15. A complete UDM solution is being implemented on top of the current R14 version as a purely evolutionary software upgrade — no new products, no complex migrations. From the point of view of network operations teams, it will be yet another subscriber profile in the same solution, making the leap to 5G a simple, incremental step.
Our solution covers both NSA deployment needs and future SA deployments, so you can plan your 5G evolution at the right pace and cost for your organisation.
“Adopt Summa Networks SDM solutions today to help you plan your future network. We are eager to hear from you — get in touch and tell us your needs around 5G!”
