Axiata Digital Labs (ADL), Dialog Axiata PLC (Dialog), and University of Moratuwa (UoM) join forces to introduce Sri Lanka’s first open-source 5G network sandbox recently. This collaborative initiative, aims to facilitate the exploration and development of potential 5G use cases in a sandbox environment. Built on open-source principles, the 5G network sandbox provides a readily available platform that empowers a diverse range of stakeholders – researchers, developers, startups, and even students – to experiment, test, and prototype cutting-edge 5G applications and services relevant to the industry needs of Sri Lanka. This collaborative project relies on ADL’s Axonect Enterprise Enabler (AEE), a powerful orchestration platform to bring to fruition the R&D on opensource 5G and ORAN technologies completed by Dialog-UOM Mobile Communication Research Laboratory.
Photographed left to right: Sandaruwan Jayasinghe, Head of Practice – IOT & Middleware and Senior Principal Architect, Axiata Digital Labs, Geethan Samarawickrama, Associate Architect – Research and Development, Product & Service Innovation, Dialog Axiata PLC, NamalJayathilake, Chief Technology Officer, Axiata Digital Labs, Dr. Ranga Rodrigo, Head of the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Dr. Kasun T. Hemachandra, Senior Lecturer, Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Prof. Dileeka Dias, Professor, Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa
AEE streamlines the telecom software development process guided by industry-standard frameworks, such as the TM Forum ODA (Open Digital Architecture), ensuring scalable, flexible, and interoperable solutions. AEE utilizes a modular architecture with a microservices layer, allowing for the independent deployment of 5G applications. By employing continuous integration and delivery tools and 5G architecture patterns, the platform enables faster and more efficient 5G software development in the sandbox environment. The platform adopts a cloud-native 5G technology stack for developing and deploying digital applications. This approach ensures that applications built on the platform are portable, scalable, and resilient.
Dialog Axiata affirms its commitment to research and innovation through its longstanding collaboration with the University of Moratuwa at the Dialog-UOM Mobile Communication Research Laboratory, established in 2004. This initiative highlights Dialog Axiata’s dedication to dynamic partnerships with local academia, resulting in numerous national and international accolades for groundbreaking contributions. The ongoing collaboration exemplifies Dialog Axiata’s dedication to promoting excellence in R&D within the telecommunications, IOT and automation industry, showcasing the pioneering commitment to technological advancement and innovation.
ADL, known for pioneering innovative technology solutions, brings its expertise in cloud native software development and platform architecture to ensure seamless integration and scalability. Dialog, Sri Lanka’s leading mobile telecommunications provider, contributes its extensive 5G network infrastructure and deployment knowledge to the project. UoM provides the academic foundation and research prowess for the sandbox’s development, based on its renowned telecommunications engineering expertise.
As Sri Lanka’s pioneering force in commercializing innovation, Dialog has consistently bridged the gap between transformative ideas and their full market impact. This unwavering commitment is extended to its latest initiative, where Dialog Axiata stands ready to unlock the potential of revolutionizing products. Powered by industry-leading experts, Dialog is uniquely equipped for breakthroughs from inception to market dominance, acting as the catalyst that turns potential into tangible impact and shape the future of industries.
Namal Jayathalike, the Chief Technology Officer of Axiata Digital Labs (ADL) stated that, “As we embark on a collaborative journey with Dialog Axiata and UoM, I’m pleased to announce that we’ve chosen to pilot a range of 5G use cases in Sri Lanka. Leveraging the Axonect Enterprise Enabler from Axiata Digital Labs, we’ve established a practical sandbox environment for experimentation. This pragmatic approach underscores our commitment to exploring and testing diverse 5G applications. Through the deployment of our Digital Transformation Engine, we facilitate agile experimentation, empowering stakeholders to unlock the full potential of 5G. This collaboration not only reinforces our dedication to local innovation but positions us on the global stage. We are enthusiastic about the transformative impact this partnership will have on advancing 5G technology in Sri Lanka.”
Commenting, Anthony Rodrigo, Group Chief Innovation Officer & Chief Architect of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “At Dialog, we believe in fostering a collaborative ecosystem that empowers innovation for Sri Lanka’s digital future. The open-source 5G network sandbox, a result of the collaboration between Axiata Digital Labs, Dialog Axiata, and the University of Moratuwa, serves as a testament to our commitment to providing a platform for diverse stakeholders to experiment and innovate. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyze the development of cutting-edge 5G applications that address the unique needs of Sri Lanka, ultimately shaping a more connected and technologically advanced future.”
Dr. Ranga Rodrigo, Head of the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa stated that, “The current trend in software-defined communication networks allows for numerous contributions that were not previously possible, such as network function virtualization. Given the expertise of the University of Moratuwa in telecommunications, this presents a valuable opportunity for the university to be involved. We envision our staff members and students actively engaging in such projects making the university, the industry and the country benefit.”
The project team, composed of experts from ADL, UoM and Dialog, is actively refining the sandbox’s functionalities through three pivotal milestones. These include developing a fully functional Proof of Concept (PoC) for an open-source Cloud-Native 5G Core Network, creating 5G use cases, and evaluating operationalization for long-tail expansion. The 5G network sandbox stands as a testament to open-source innovation. It is not just a tool; it is a gateway to a future where 5G technology is accessible, adaptable, and empowers progress across Sri Lanka and beyond.
