The 5G SA Core, jointly developed by Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom, not only supports technologies including network slicing and function modularization based on 3GPP standards, but also offers additional functions that operators have been using since LTE, include billing, subscriber management and operational convenience system. The interoperability assessment is the final stage for verifying the validity of 5G SA data transmission, signifying that the SA system is ready to be launched for commercial service.

Both companies implemented several cutting-edge technologies in the 5G SA Core that has been used for the interoperability. The technologies include Data Parallel Processing technology that performs QoS and transmission control simultaneously; Data Acceleration technology that classifies and distributes similar traffic types; and Path Optimization technology that automatically delivers data traffic to Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) platform.

“The fundamental structure of 5G SA is built on a completely new configuration, successfully delivering the most optimized 5G service to customers and enterprises across numerous industries,” said Jaeho Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Maintaining Korea’s leadership in network innovations through continuous investments in next-generation technologies is important to Samsung and SK Telecom, and the companies will continue to collaborate on developing and commercializing 5G SA.”

“Along with the initial phase of NSA rollout, we have been continuously focusing on researching and developing the SA technology in order to provide customers a differentiated service quality with innovative products, which will be launched in the first half of next year,” said Park Jin-hyo, Chief Technology Officer and Head of ICT R&D Center at SK Telecom. “By strengthening bilateral collaboration with Samsung, SK Telecom will drive and lead highly innovative 5G technologies and solutions.”

Once 5G SA is commercialized, data processing efficient will be improved by threefold, allowing efficient control for supporting massive data traffic. Moreover, 5G SA system is highly optimized for emerging next generation services such as Autonomous driving, Smart Factory, Smart Farm, and AR/VR.

For the past five years, the two companies have been collaborating on LTE and 5G development, which ultimately led to this successful 5G SA Core interoperability test. Some of other accomplishments include the commercialization of Virtualized LTE Core and Packet Optimization system; and they have completed the development of 3GPP Rel. 15 based SA Core in July last year, and successfully launched 5G NSA commercial service in April this year.

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom is the largest mobile operator in Korea with nearly 50 percent of the market share. As the pioneer of all generations of mobile networks, the company has launched the fifth generation (5G) network on December 1, 2018. The company is not only leading innovations in the field of mobile network, but is also creating unprecedented value in areas such as media, security and commerce. In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, SK Telecom will inspire the world, building a future beyond expectations. Building on its strength in mobile services, the company is also creating unprecedented value in diverse ICT-related markets including media, security and commerce. For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or sktelecom@bm.com

Summary

• Ganseo Park is software developer in Samsung Electronics’ Smart Factory Group
• Not only does he balance a busy working life with family time, but Park is also the proud owner of an aquarium café he runs with his wife, boasting a terrarium of over beloved 40 turtles
• Park’s story of passion, enthusiasm and ingenuity shows that it is possible to balance work and life effectively – as long as you stay motivated and organized

Some of us may have big families, but the sheer size of Samsung Smart Factory Group software developer Ganseo Park’s clan will likely leave you shell-shocked. That’s because, in addition to raising their own children, Park and his wife are the proud owners of an aquarium café that’s home to over 40 beloved turtles. The story of how Park came to care for his turtley unique family tortoise a great deal about balancing work and life effectively.

Amniote Ambitions

Ganseo Park’s terrapin tale began whilst on a trip to the Maldives with his wife. Whilst snorkeling, they were instantly captivated by the finesse and dexterity of the sea turtles they witnessed, motivating the pair to take up scuba diving in order to fully take in the whole gamut of treasures under the sea.

Upon their return to Korea, Park and his wife came to discuss what pet they could get as testament to their maritime explorations. Park was particularly keen on having a saltwater fish, but his wife was against the idea; “My wife had a traumatic experience as a girl when her dog died,” notes Park, “so she was adamant that we wouldn’t have any pets with short lifespans.”

It was then by chance that Park stumbled across the perfect compromise to both his burgeoning zoological interests and his wife’s preferences. Whilst performing a routine supermarket shop, Park came across a pet section – which was selling turtles. Park brought home three baby turtles that day, and a passion for caring for these extraordinary creatures was born.

Donatello, one of the original three turtles taken in by Park

Ideal Family Conditions

So it came to pass that, seven years ago, the Park family grew by three. But it didn’t stop there. The Park family continued to expand their reptilian collection and, a year later, witnessed their first hatching.

The Park family welcomed their first three baby turtles in the spring of 2012

The commitment required to care for these animals is substantial, especially during their earliest days. Park has become well versed in the hatching habits of his turtles; “When the eggs are ready to hatch, their surface becomes moist. Then the hatchlings break the shells open with a temporary egg-tooth called a caruncle. When this begins, I need to move the eggs to the incubator and check on them every two hours.” His incubation method has taken the form of an ice box, a wine cooler, and a refrigerator, and the ingenuity shown is a testament to Park’s passion and initiative in developing his home terrarium.

Park’s homemade incubator has helped many baby turtles through the journey from egg to the outside world

Given the success Park had in hatching and raising turtles, the family eventually ran out of space to safely house them all, which led to Park and his wife opening an aquarium café. Nowadays, the Park family boasts has over 40 turtle members, and with 10 eggs about to hatch, this number is only set to grow.

Performing with Reptilian Dexterity

Raising his children, performing well at his job and looking after his turtles require a life balance that is finely tuned to perfection. Through his passion, dedication and organization, Park always manages to ensure he has enough time allocated in his day for his family – both human and reptilian. Park takes his daily scheduling so seriously that, for the past 11 years, he has managed his time in increments using spreadsheets to ensure he makes the most out of each day, keeps to all deadlines and, most importantly, achieves the perfect balance of being an effective engineer as well as a turtle custodian and father.

The Park family aquarium café. Park looks after his children in the evenings whilst his wife is busy with the café

Park has also learnt a lot from his 7-year turtle endeavors; “From my experience with turtles, especially in learning to spot what these wordless creatures need, I think I have learnt how to pay more attention to what people are going through and to communicate more in trying to help them through situations.”

Park and his turtles

Park’s mentor Taeyang Yoon, SVP and Head of the Memory Technology Innovation Team at Samsung Electronics, is the one who inspired him to stay motivated in order to make the very most of both his work and leisure time.

“The way you manage your time has an effect on the people around you,” notes Yoon. “I believe stress comes from spending too much energy on one single element of life. We need to do our tasks efficiently and then give ourselves time away. That is why Park can care for his turtles; it is what all of us really need to be doing.”

Ganseo Park (right) and his mentor and previous team leader, Taeyang Yoon (left)

It is clear that what Park starts, he goes after with enviable drive—whether it be achieving his goal of being a skilled programmer in Samsung Electronics’ Smart Factory Group, looking after his turtles, raising his sons or being a good husband. Given his success in all areas of his life, it is clear we can all learning something from Park about making the very most of our time and pursuing our interests—reptilian or otherwise—productively.