Revolutionizing Mission-Critical Operations with Portable 5G: Insights from the UCC PoC

The evolving landscape of defense and mission-critical operations requires communications solutions that are secure, agile, and scalable. Ericsson addresses this need with the UCC, an innovative dual-mode 5G core specifically designed for next-generation mission-critical networks. Tailored to meet the unique requirements of defense operations, UCC combines portability, security, and high performance to deliver seamless communication, even in the most demanding environments.

The UCC is an advanced dual-mode   5G core network solution designed to support both 5G network and 4G LTE infrastructures, allowing for simultaneous operation in 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) modes. Built for portability and rapid deployment, the UCC offers a robust and secure communication infrastructure suitable for both stationary and mobile deployments. This "core-in-a-box" solution enables personnel to independently and rapidly establish secure, high-performance 5G networks, enhancing operational coordination and situational awareness.

• Seamless Integration: UCC integrates smoothly with multivendor Radio Access Network (RAN) and transport systems, creating a complete, portable 5G network for defense missions.
• Mission-Ready Flexibility: Whether deployed at a permanent base or in the field, UCC adapts to ensure continuous, secure communication in any environment.

1. Bespoke Private 5G Networks
   UCC enables defense forces to establish secure, private 5G networks customized for critical operations. These networks operate independently of commercial systems, ensuring confidentiality and control over communications at bases, airfields, and other strategic locations, both within the continental United States (CONUS) and outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
2. Expeditionary and Tactical 5G
   Designed for portability and rapid deployment, UCC is ideal for tactical missions and dynamic field conditions. It delivers real-time connectivity for mobile operations, supporting applications like base communication and field logistics, while enhancing coordination and mission success.
3. Mobile command and control center
   UCC powers mobile command centers with seamless, real-time communication and connectivity. It supports critical applications such as extended reality (XR)-enabled situational awareness and drone coordination, ensuring command continuity in fast-moving scenarios.

Ericsson’s commitment to innovation in mission-critical communications is exemplified by its ongoing proof of concept (PoC) initiative with Booz Allen Hamilton,  a trusted technology leader for the U.S. federal government. Together, we are testing and refining UCCs capabilities to meet the unique demands of mission-critical environments as the federal government moves towards advanced 5G infrastructure to support both enterprise and tactical operations.

This collaboration rigorously examines UCCs ability to deliver secure, agile, and resilient 5G networks for high-stakes applications, from operational planning and real-time data collection to tactical deployments at the edge. Preliminary results are highly promising, highlighting UCCs strength in providing secure, scalable, and robust communication solutions essential for defense. This PoC not only exemplifies Ericsson’s commitment to pioneering 5G innovation but also showcases UCCs potential transformative impact on mission-critical operations for the Department of Defense.

With increasing demand for fast, secure, and flexible communication solutions, UCC provides a scalable, compact 5G core solution designed to address the unique challenges of mission critical operations.

• Scalability: Supports both large-scale base operations to small tactical units.
• Security: End-to-end encryption and end-to-end risk management for secure communications.
• Portability: Lightweight, portable design ensures rapid deployment in any environment.
• Interoperability: Compatible with multi-vendor RAN, including O-RAN and Cloud RAN, offering deployment flexibility.

Ericsson’s UCC redefines mission-critical communication by providing decentralized teams with reliable, future-proof solutions.

Stay ahead in the age of 5G with Ericsson UCC—a game-changer for defense digitalization.

Stay tuned as Ericsson UCC becomes the cornerstone of core network solution for next-gen mission-critical communications, revolutionizing defense capabilities in the age of 5G.

Learn more about Ericsson’s leading Mission Critical Networks portfolio and what it can do for your business.

Learn more about UCC and how you can engage to support your mission-critical needs.

Ultra Compact Core - Ericsson
Ericsson for US defense