First 5G connection through end-to-end 5G networks demonstrated by Samsung and KT

Samsung today announced that it has been able to successfully demonstrate the world's first 5G connection through end-to-end 5G networks in collaboration with its partner KT. The test was conducted at Samsung's Digital City Campus in Suwon, South Korea. This latest demonstration of 5G connectivity was different from what has been done in the past using prototype base stations and devices with proprietary specifications because it relies on the PyeongChang 5G Special Interest Group (SIG) common specification which is a joint effort backed by a global group of vendors and carriers. The group is working together to define key technological requirements for 5G mobile services as well as to deliver the world's first mobile 5G trial service in early 2018.

“We’re very pleased with our success on the world’s first end-to-end 5G connection only a few months after the PyeongChang 5G SIG common specifications were finalized,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Executive Vice President and Head of Next Generation Communications Team at Samsung Electronics.

The latest demonstration made use of 28 GHz spectrum, Samsung and KT showcased full synchronization of wireless links, implementation of security protocols, assignment of IP addresses to devices and delivery of internet access through a 5G virtualized core network. This test demonstrates the value of industry collaboration as well as the readiness of these technologies ahead of the deployment of the first commercial 5G networks before 2020.