#core network

From May 20 to 22, Asia Tech x SG (ATxSG) 2026 concluded at the Singapore EXPO, gathering global operators, technology innovators, and industry leaders to shape the future of digital ecosystems. At Booth 3G2-7, IPLOOK presented its latest technical developments, focusing on reliable, high-capacity backbone infrastructures engineered for next-generation mobile networks.

The centerpiece of the exhibit was IPLOOK’s 4G/5G Converged Core network. Built to meet the growing need for network modernization in the Asia-Pacific region, the platform offers a practical approach for operators looking to upgrade their infrastructure. The architecture is engineered to support millions of concurrent subscribers, ensuring stable traffic management under heavy loads while maintaining carrier-grade reliability.

A key technical feature highlighted at the event was the solution’s multi-cloud adaptability. The core network can be deployed across major public and private cloud infrastructures, including AWS, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, and Tencent Cloud. This gives operators the flexibility to scale their network capacity horizontally without being locked into specific hardware or cloud providers.

IPLOOK also emphasized its full-stack voice capabilities driven by its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The portfolio covers essential 3GPP-compliant network functions, including Compact EPC, 5G Core (5GC), and User Plane Function (UPF). Together with the IMS, these components enable operators to deploy integrated, high-definition voice and data services such as VoWiFi, VoLTE, and VoNR, ensuring a smooth transition from legacy systems.

Throughout the three-day event, IPLOOK’s technical team met with regional Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and enterprise partners to discuss cost-effective migration strategies. Because the platform is software-upgradable, it allows providers to modernize their networks and introduce advanced voice features with minimal disruption to existing operations.

IPLOOK officially announces its participation in Asia Tech x SG (ATxSG) 2026. From May 20 to 22, our technical team will be stationed at the Singapore EXPO, Booth 3G2-7, to present our latest progress in core network architecture and the practical integration of satellite and terrestrial 5G technologies.

As a provider of mobile core network software, our focus remains on building the stable, high-capacity backbone required for the next generation of connectivity.

Converged Core: Stability at Scale

The reliability of a network is defined by its core. At the IPLOOK booth, we will demonstrate our Carrier-Grade Converged Core Network Solution. This architecture is built to manage massive scale—supporting millions of users and high concurrency—making it a viable choice for MNOs looking to upgrade 4G/5G infrastructure or deploy specialized services like VoWiFi, VoLTE, and VoNR.

A key advantage of this solution is its high adaptability across diverse cloud environments. By supporting deployments on AWS, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, and Tencent Cloud, we provide operators with the flexibility to scale their infrastructure without being locked into a single provider

Satellite-Terrestrial Integration for Global Coverage

Beyond traditional terrestrial networks, IPLOOK is addressing the challenge of universal coverage through our LEO Satellite + 5G Private Network Solution.

This integration allows unmodified mobile terminals to maintain connectivity via LEO satellites, bridging the gap for maritime, airborne, and remote industrial operations. Our solution utilizes an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) gateway and 5G MEC Edge platforms to ensure that even the most isolated terminals—from shipborne systems to vehicle-mounted units—benefit from the low latency and high bandwidth of 5G architecture.

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In 2026, the global 5G private network is fully moving from pilot projects to the core infrastructure of the industrial economy. Enterprises will no longer be satisfied with the limitations of traditional wireless systems, but instead adopt 5G Standalone (SA) as an uncompromising technical standard to achieve “digital sovereignty”.

1.Market Growth and Macro Trends

As of early 2026, the global private 5G network market size has reached approximately 7.57 billion US dollars, a significant increase from 5.08 billion US dollars in 2025. Driven by a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 49%, the market is projected to reach 29.61 billion US dollars by 2030 and is expected to exceed 155.89 billion US dollars by 2036. Valuation differences among institutions mainly stem from varying definitions of “private 5G infrastructure”: some statistics only include core network and radio access network equipment, while broader models incorporate edge servers, managed services, and integration fees, which often double the total contract value.

At the macro level, industrial automation demand is the primary driver, but the market is also affected by inflation, interest rate fluctuations, and geopolitics. For instance, the memory shortage starting in late 2025 drove up average prices of industrial modules and base stations, despite efforts to reduce costs through large-scale production.

2.5G Standalone and Network Slicing

2026 marks the official end of the Non-Standalone (NSA) era. Early hybrid solutions anchored by 4G core networks can no longer meet requirements in terms of latency and device density. 5G Standalone (SA) provides a fully independent architecture from the radio access network to the cloud-native core network, eliminating bottlenecks of the 4G era, and supports Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), network slicing, and enhanced reliability.

Network slicing is one of the most transformative capabilities of 5G SA. It allows a physical network to be divided into multiple logical networks, each with independent performance, security, and management policies. For example, within the same industrial plant, one slice can be dedicated to high-bandwidth surveillance cameras, another to ultra-low latency autonomous robots, and a third to connect massive IoT sensors. According to Capgemini’s 2026 B2B Report, 69% of enterprises believe network slicing will significantly improve operational efficiency and security—this proportion reaches 83% in the high-tech sector and 77% in aerospace and defense.

In terms of latency indicators, the median latency of 5G SA globally is approximately 27 milliseconds, an improvement of about 23% compared to 35 milliseconds for NSA. The improvement reaches 43% in Hong Kong and 31% in France. More importantly, 5G SA can achieve the deterministic performance required by industrial Ethernet protocols (such as PROFINET and OPC UA over TSN), laying the foundation for the deep integration of IT and OT.

Meanwhile, 2026 is also the commercial launch year of 5G Advanced (3GPP Release 18), an intermediate upgrade often referred to as 5.5G in the market, designed to bridge the gap between 5G and 6G in the late 2020s. 5.5G brings significant enhancements in radio access network intelligence, antenna evolution, and uplink performance. Leading equipment vendors represented by Huawei have demonstrated a practical downlink rate of 10 Gbps. In addition, 5.5G emphasizes “integrated sensing and communication (ISAC)”, enabling the network itself to sense asset locations or environmental changes like radar without additional dedicated sensors.

China leads the world in 5.5G adoption, with 50 million users reported by the end of 2025. Many Gulf countries have also launched commercial services or trials. By the end of 2026, the number of 5G base stations supporting 5.5G capabilities worldwide is expected to exceed 6.5 million. The seven key features of 6G—including sustainability, trustworthiness, AI-native design, ISAC, extreme performance, global coverage, and multi-dimensional services—have begun to influence enterprise investment decisions in 2026, as enterprises evaluate the “forward compatibility” of current 5G equipment.

3. In-depth Analysis of Industry Vertical Applications

Manufacturing remains the largest demand driver for private 5G, accounting for 32% to 37% of total revenue. The industry is moving from “interconnection” to “autonomy”. Companies such as BMW and Tesla use private 5G to replace factory cables, reducing costs by up to 40% and enabling real-time vision systems for autonomous robots. Tier 1 automotive suppliers report an average increase of 18% to 22% in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) after deployment. The integration of private 5G and industrial Ethernet has made seamless IT-OT convergence a reality.

Among vertical sectors, healthcare is the fastest-growing, with a projected CAGR of 42.8% by 2031. Private 5G provides the secure, high-speed connectivity required for remote patient monitoring, AI diagnosis, and real-time video analysis. Hospitals in Germany, the UK, and the US are leading adoption, using private networks to protect patient data privacy while supporting surgical robots and connected clinical workflows.

Logistics and smart ports have also seen significant growth, driven by the need to track asset location and status in vast environments. Smart ports in China, the US, and Gulf countries have transitioned from pilots to commercial-scale operations. These networks support automated cranes, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and real-time container tracking, greatly shortening vessel turnaround time.

4.Conclusion

The vendor landscape in 2026 is undergoing a major transformation, with traditional hardware vendors facing competition from cloud hyperscalers and professional system integrators. The global 5G private network is no longer an optional item for enterprise IT, but the core of modern industrial digital infrastructure. From manufacturing to healthcare, ports to mines, the combination of 5G SA and AI is reshaping the global industrial landscape. By 2030, 5G is expected to account for 38% of the private cellular market, and 5G SA will serve as the cornerstone for the eventual transition to 6G. For global enterprises, private 5G networks are no longer a luxury—they are indispensable infrastructure for modern digital nations.

Amid this transformation wave, IPLOOK, a global leading provider of mobile core network solutions, is becoming a key force driving the implementation of 5G private networks with its independently developed end-to-end 5G core network products.

Late at night, a core device in a data center suddenly malfunctions. There is no need to urgently call engineers or carry out rushed troubleshooting. Within seconds, the system automatically detects the fault, pinpoints the cause, and seamlessly switches traffic to a backup link. Users can continue watching videos, attending meetings, and playing games without any awareness of the incident. This is not science fiction, but a reality taking shape as AI is deeply integrated into communication networks: networks are evolving from passive, failure-prone equipment into intelligent living organisms that can independently sense, diagnose, repair, and even self-evolve.

Traditional Network Operations: A Never-Ending Game of “Whack-a-Mole”

For decades, network operations have relied heavily on manual work. Engineers have to monitor screens closely, wait for alarms, then manually locate faults, adjust parameters, and coordinate repairs. Resolving a single fault often takes hours and involves more than a dozen steps. In the 5G era, base station density has increased sharply, and the number of core network elements has surged. As frontline engineers put it: “It is like looking for a needle in an ocean, and new problems keep popping up endlessly.”

AI Integration into RAN and Core Networks: Equipping Networks with an “Immune System”

The core of a self-healing network is an AI-driven autonomous closed loop, which consists of five key steps: continuous sensing, AI prediction, intelligent decision-making, automatic execution, and verification & learning.

At the Radio Access Network (RAN) level, AI agents perform 7×24 “health checks” on base stations. Huawei’s wireless intelligent solution has been deployed at over 500,000 sites worldwide, reducing fault recovery time from 90 minutes to just 15 minutes. What is more advanced is multi-agent collaboration: at a 5G-Advanced demonstration site in Hangzhou, when a robotic dog performs a coffee delivery task, three types of agents—experience assurance, fault management, and network optimization—cooperate automatically to prioritize critical services, with no user intervention required throughout the process.

At the core network level, AI undertakes “brain-like” functions such as user authentication, session management, and routing scheduling. A joint demonstration by NEC and AWS proves that agentic AI can autonomously manage the full lifecycle of a 5G core UPF, cutting configuration time from weeks to hours. State-of-the-art intelligent core network solutions go further: when a fault occurs, traffic is automatically switched to restore services first; root causes are then analyzed, configurations generated, verified in a digital twin environment, and finally repaired. Service deployment is compressed from hours to minutes.

Real-World Applications of Self-Healing Networks

Commercial deployments by operators have validated the value of self-healing technology. During the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi operator stc deployed Nokia’s AI system, which performed over 15,000 autonomous adjustments per hour at peak times. This resulted in a 60% reduction in cell outages and a 10% increase in peak throughput. Deutsche Telekom’s RAN Guardian Agent takes a step further: it proactively scans social media to predict large-scale events and pre-allocates resources in advance, shifting operations from “post-incident firefighting” to “pre-emptive provisioning”.

Challenges and the Future

Self-healing networks cannot be built overnight. Data silos, multi-vendor interoperability, and the explainability of AI decisions remain practical challenges. If AI makes an incorrect decision, how should liability be defined? Nevertheless, the industry is accelerating toward Level 4 high autonomy as defined by TM Forum (nearly zero human intervention). 2026 is a critical year for large-scale commercial deployment, with the A2A-T multi-agent collaboration protocol regarded as a key enabling technology.

Looking ahead to the 6G era, AI will be natively integrated with networks. 3GPP has included the definition of “AI Agent” in its standards. The 6G autonomous RAN proposed by China Mobile Research Institute is expected to complete optimization of both base station coverage and power configuration in under 20 seconds.

Conclusion

Building truly self-healing networks requires collaboration across all segments of the telecommunications industry chain.

As a global leader in 4G/5G/6G core network solutions, IPLOOK has deep roots in the core network sector for more than a decade. We are committed to providing end-to-end mobile communication solutions to customers worldwide, with products and services covering critical industries such as satellite communications, energy communications, and power grid communications, and large-scale commercial deployment in more than 50 countries and regions.

Many enterprises focus solely on the initial license or hardware price tag. But after speaking with numerous global clients—from small regional mobile operators to large-scale enterprise network providers—we’ve noticed that the “iceberg” beneath the surface is what usually breaks the budget. This hidden cost burden often goes unaccounted for in initial planning, only to emerge months or years into deployment: unexpected maintenance fees, resource-draining troubleshooting, and costly upgrades that eat into profit margins. For businesses aiming to scale efficiently or maintain competitive pricing, these unforeseen expenses can derail growth strategies, forcing tough trade-offs between network performance and financial sustainability. What’s more, legacy core solutions often lock enterprises into rigid structures that make adapting to market changes—such as 5G adoption or global service expansion—even more costly and time-consuming.

At IPLOOK, we’ve identified 3 major culprits hidden in legacy mobile core deployments:

O&M Complexity: Daily network management demands high-tier engineering resources, driving persistent labor costs and operational risks.

Infrastructure Heaviness: Massive hidden spending on cooling, rack space, and power consumption weighs on long-term ROI.

Vendor Lock-in: Proprietary stacks lead to costly upgrades and limited scalability when expanding services or evolving to 5G.

We believe a Cloud-native, Converged Core should simplify operations, not raise costs.

IPLOOK Converged Core: Built to Cut Hidden Costs, Empower Scalable Growth

IPLOOK’s cloud-native 4G/5G converged core redefines total cost of ownership with a lean, open, and future-ready architecture—one designed specifically to address the hidden pain points that plague legacy systems. Unlike traditional core networks, which rely on fragmented, hardware-dependent components, our solution leverages cloud-native technologies to streamline operations, reduce overhead, and eliminate unnecessary costs. By integrating 4G and 5G core functions into a single, unified platform, we eliminate the need for separate deployments and redundant management, cutting both upfront and long-term expenses. Our clients consistently report significant TCO reductions—often 30% or more—after migrating to our converged core, thanks to its ability to simplify workflows, minimize infrastructure needs, and avoid the pitfalls of vendor lock-in. This isn’t just a cost-saving solution; it’s a strategic investment that empowers businesses to focus on innovation rather than constant fire-fighting.

Simplified O&M: Unified visualized management, automated orchestration, and minimal expert intervention slash daily operational overhead.

Lightweight Infrastructure: Containerized, highly integrated design runs on standard COTS servers, drastically cutting power, space, and cooling expenses.

Open & Lock-in Free: Fully compliant with 3GPP standards, supporting smooth evolution from 4G to 5G NSA/SA, multi-vendor interoperability, and on-demand scaling without proprietary penalties.

All-Scenario Flexibility: Ideal for mobile operators, private networks, satellite communications, and global roaming services, delivering consistent performance at a lower lifetime cost.

Partner with IPLOOK: See Cost Efficiency, Not Compromise

Stop overpaying for hidden legacy burdens. IPLOOK Converged Core turns complexity into simplicity and overhead into savings, helping you build agile, cost-optimized mobile networks that scale with your business. Whether you’re a mobile operator looking to reduce O&M costs, a private network provider aiming to streamline infrastructure, or an enterprise expanding into global markets, our solution adapts to your unique needs. We prioritize transparency, ensuring you have full visibility into your network costs and no surprise fees down the line. Our team of experts works closely with you to tailor the converged core to your operations, providing ongoing support to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption. With IPLOOK, you’re not just investing in a network solution—you’re partnering with a trusted provider dedicated to your long-term success.

As the telecom industry evolves from 5G to 5G-Advanced, network operators and enterprises face a critical question: how to build a core network that can adapt to emerging use cases while supporting existing services? The answer lies in the Service-Based Architecture (SBA), the modular design that underpins 5G and becomes even more vital for 5G-Advanced’s next-generation capabilities.

Unlike traditional monolithic network architectures, 5GS SBA decomposes the core network into discrete, reusable network functions (NFs) — such as AMF, SMF, UDM, NEF, NSSF, and PCF — that communicate via standardized service-based interfaces. This modular approach is not just a technical detail; it is a strategic enabler for business agility in the 5G-Advanced era.

What Makes SBA So Flexible?

At its core, SBA replaces rigid, tightly-coupled network elements with a set of independent, service-oriented components. Each NF focuses on a specific function:

AMF manages access and mobility for end devices.

SMF handles session management and interacts with UPF to route user data.

UDM/UDR stores subscriber data and authentication credentials.

NEF securely exposes network capabilities to third-party applications.

NSSF orchestrates network slicing for diverse service types.

PCF enforces QoS and policy rules.

These NFs communicate over a common service bus, allowing operators to mix, match, and scale individual components without disrupting the entire network. This decoupling is the foundation of SBA’s flexibility, making it ideal for the diverse demands of 5G-Advanced.

SBA in Action: Powering 5G-Advanced Use Cases

5G-Advanced introduces new use cases like massive IoT, ultra-low-latency industrial automation, and API-driven enterprise services. SBA’s modularity lets operators tailor the core network to these needs without a full overhaul:

Massive IoT for Smart Metering: By customizing NSSF and AMF, operators can create dedicated network slices optimized for millions of low-power, low-throughput devices, ensuring efficient resource utilization and reliable connectivity.

Low-Latency Industrial Robotics: Reconfiguring PCF and UPF enables edge-based data processing, minimizing hop counts and delivering the sub-10ms latency required for real-time industrial control and robotic operations.

API Monetization & Enterprise Services: The NEF acts as a secure gateway, letting third-party developers and enterprises access network capabilities via APIs, opening new revenue streams for operators.

Network Slicing for Diverse Verticals: SBA’s granular control allows operators to deploy multiple logical networks on a single physical infrastructure, each optimized for specific industries — from healthcare to transportation — without compromising performance or security.

IPLOOK’s SBA Implementation: A Business Advantage

IPLOOK leverages SBA’s inherent flexibility to deliver 5G-Advanced core solutions that align with business goals, not just technical specifications. By breaking down the core into modular services, IPLOOK enables operators to:

Scale efficiently: Add or remove NFs to match traffic demands, avoiding overprovisioning and reducing costs.

Innovate rapidly: Deploy new services and slices in weeks, not months, to respond to market opportunities.

Future-proof investments: Seamlessly integrate 5G-Advanced features like AI-driven optimization, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), and R18 enhancements without a forklift upgrade.

Conclusion

As we transition from 5G to 5G-Advanced, SBA is no longer optional — it is the architectural backbone that turns technical potential into business value. Its modularity, scalability, and service-oriented design let operators adapt to evolving market demands, monetize new use cases, and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

IPLOOK concluded its showcase at Booth CS70 during MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting deployment-ready core network solutions designed to meet the shifting demands of global operators and MVNOs. The focus remained on two high-impact areas: IMS-based VoWiFi and 4G/5G Converged Core architectures.

Expanding Voice Coverage via VoWiFi

The event featured technical demonstrations of IPLOOK’s carrier-grade VoWiFi solution, specifically addressing the industry-wide challenge of indoor coverage and “dead zones.”

In discussions with European operators, IPLOOK experts detailed how VoWiFi can be introduced into existing infrastructures without significant radio investment. The focus was on maintaining a native mobile dialing experience while ensuring service continuity between Wi-Fi and cellular networks—a critical factor for reducing roaming costs and improving subscriber retention in coverage-challenged environments.

Simplifying the Path to 5G: Converged Core Architecture

Managing multi-generational network infrastructure remains a primary cost driver for service providers. At the booth, IPLOOK highlighted its 4G/5G Converged Core, which utilizes a unified architecture to support both LTE and 5G through a single framework.

A key highlight was a deep-dive into a recent collaboration, this case study demonstrated how a converged approach enables unified subscriber management and elastic scalability. By consolidating the core, the partner successfully protected their 4G investments while establishing a streamlined, cost-effective migration path to 5G.

Driven by the IPLOOK Intelligent Core

Both solutions are powered by the IPLOOK Intelligent Core Network, which emphasizes automation, real-time visibility, and open APIs. These capabilities are designed to help operators adapt to market fluctuations and deploy services with greater speed and security.

We thank all the partners and industry leaders who visited us at MWC 2026 to discuss the future of converged connectivity.

As the digital economy becomes deeply ingrained in society, the urban-rural digital divide persists, with rural communication network coverage and quality acting as a key constraint on rural development. In February 2026, the GSMA released its Spectrum and Rural Connectivity report, affirming that sub-1 GHz low-band spectrum is central to enhancing rural network coverage and communication quality. Its rational allocation and utilization can narrow the urban-rural digital gap and fuel robust digital-driven growth in rural economies and societies.

Rural Connectivity Status: Shortfalls in Both Coverage and Quality

Despite major advances in global telecom network development, rural areas face acute connectivity challenges. GSMA data shows rural populations are 28% less likely to use mobile internet and 30% less inclined to access regular online services like messaging, banking and education than urban dwellers. Even in covered rural regions, poor network quality—such as cell edge congestion and slow download speeds—hampers digital service adoption, preventing full participation in the digital economy.

This stems from rural geography: low population density and scattered buildings make mid-to-high band spectrum, with its short transmission range and weak penetration, unviable for low-cost wide coverage. Low-band spectrum, however, is a natural solution to this problem.

Core Advantages of Low-Band Spectrum: A Perfect Fit for Rural Connectivity

Sub-1 GHz low-band spectrum is a cornerstone of rural connectivity due to its unique propagation traits, setting it apart from mid-to-high band spectrum. Technically, its longer electromagnetic wavelengths deliver superior diffraction and penetration, enabling longer signal transmission and stable connectivity even in remote rural areas or behind building obstructions.

GSMA Intelligence analysis confirms this: rural users spend more than twice as much time on low-band 4G and 5G as urban users, highlighting rural connectivity’s heavy reliance on these frequencies. In short, low-band spectrum is the foundation of rural mobile networks—high-quality rural communication is impossible without sufficient low-band resources.

The Value of Low-Band Spectrum: Measurable Gains for Connectivity and Economy

Increased allocation of sub-1 GHz low-band spectrum drives quantifiable, all-round improvements in rural connectivity, including coverage, speed and user experience.

The report quantifies this link: each additional 50 MHz of sub-1 GHz spectrum lifts rural 4G coverage by 7 percentage points and 5G coverage by 11 percentage points. It also boosts rural download speeds by up to 8% and eases cell edge congestion, fundamentally enhancing rural users’ communication experience.

Low-band spectrum’s value extends far beyond connectivity, directly spurring rural economic and social development. A 10 percentage-point drop in the spectrum cost-to-revenue ratio frees up operators’ capital for rural network expansion and upgrades. Meanwhile, high-quality rural networks expand access to education, healthcare and financial services, and boost productivity in core rural sectors like agriculture and transportation. This connects rural communities to broader markets and unlocks the endogenous growth potential of rural economies.

Unlocking Low-Band Spectrum Potential: Four Key Government-Industry Actions

Unleashing low-band spectrum’s value demands collaboration between governments, regulators and operators, supported by science-based policies and market guidance. The GSMA outlines four core recommendations:

Prioritize allocation: Fast-track the assignment of all low-band spectrum for mobile services, focusing on rural coverage to expand 4G and 5G networks rapidly.

Set affordable pricing: Align spectrum pricing with economic fundamentals to reduce operator costs and ensure sustainable rural network investment.

Guarantee long-term regulatory certainty: Match spectrum access regulations to the long lifecycle of rural network assets, giving operators confidence for long-term investment.

Lower sharing barriers: Reduce regulatory hurdles to voluntary network sharing and cut costs for planning and site access, improving the economic efficiency of rural network deployment.

Conclusion: Fostering Urban-Rural Digital Inclusion via Spectrum Policy

Radio spectrum is a scarce, non-renewable resource, and low-band spectrum is a golden asset for rural digital transformation. The GSMA report proves that sound spectrum policies directly improve rural connectivity, which in turn amplifies network effects and elevates the overall social value of digital connectivity.

By placing low-band spectrum at the core of national strategies to bridge the digital divide, and through government-industry collaboration to deliver these resources to rural areas, we can ensure rural populations have equal digital opportunities as urban residents. This will turn digital technology into a new engine for rural growth, drive inclusive economic development and realize true urban-rural digital inclusion.