DNA prepares for 5G with backbone upgrade
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DNA prepares for 5G with backbone upgrade

DNA has unveiled an upgrade to its backbone network which will allow it to support 5G services once they are ready to deploy.

The work, which has already begun, forms part of DNA's preparations for the 5G era, but will also immediately benefit mobile and fixed network customers, even before 5G networks arrive, the Finnish mobile operator said.

Critical equipment for the backbone network has already been upgraded and DNA’s backbone network speeds have been raised by multiples of 400 Gbit/s to a maximum of 1.2 Tbit/s. In addition, the minimum speeds of local area networks, i.e. regional networks, have been raised to meet new and future requirements.

"Because data usage continues to grow rapidly throughout Finland, minimum speeds have been increased and capacity raised everywhere. Use of mobile data is increasing fastest, and backbone network capacity is another key factor in the smooth provision of mobile data. We will continue to increase speeds and capacity, as part of normal network maintenance and servicing," comments Mikko Kannisto, Director of DNA's Transmission Networks.

The upgrade plans will also see network architecture and signalling upgraded in order to enhance the programmability of the entire network, including both the national backbone network and its area networks, while making interoperability more seamless.

A total of 20.85GB of data was transmitted per user through the mobile network in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 14.97GB per user in 2017, according to DNA’s figures.

“Significantly more synergy gains can be generated through better programmability. This will enable us to produce and maintain multiple services on the basis of the same work. Customer service will improve, as services become more versatile and speeds grow," said Kannisto.

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