At the Open Source Summit Europe, the Linux Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to fostering open-source innovation, welcomed free5GC to its community. free5GC is an open-source project focused on the development of fifth-generation (5G) mobile core networks, aiming to implement the 5G core network (5GC) as outlined in 3GPP Release 15 and beyond. This addition to the Linux Foundation is backed by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Chunghwa Telecom, Pegatron Corporation, Zero One Tech, and Saviah Technologies.
free5GC, the world’s first open-source 5G core network software, was created in 2019 by researchers at NYCU in Taiwan, led by Professor Jyh-Cheng Chen. Initially developed to support academic research in communications networks, the software has proven its versatility and has since been adopted for product testing and proof-of-concept (PoC) trials worldwide. Its compatibility with any mobile phone or base station adhering to the international 5G standard has made it a valuable tool for the industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome free5GC to the Linux Foundation, as it represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to drive open innovation in the telecommunications space,” said Arpit Joshipura, General Manager, Networking, Edge and IoT, at the Linux Foundation. “free5GC brings a robust, open source 5G core network solution that aligns with our mission to foster collaboration and standardisation across the industry. This collaboration will empower organisations of all sizes to leverage the transformative potential of 5G with a transparent, scalable, and cost-effective core network solution.”
free5GC’s mission to develop 5G core network software remains intact under the Linux Foundation, but the project will now benefit from enhanced governance, including the establishment of a Technical Steering Committee (TSC) to oversee technical management, documentation, testing, integration, and development activities. free5GC had already been integrated with other Linux Foundation projects such as ONAP and Nephio through blueprints and PoC initiatives, and this transition is expected to deepen these collaborations. The flexible and modular nature of free5GC will provide the necessary capabilities for 5G core functions, supporting network slicing, service orchestration, and automation.
“As the founder of free5GC, I am excited about this project joining the Linux Foundation,” added Jyh-Cheng Chen, Dean, College of Computer Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). “This collaboration will not only enhance the development of a fully open source 5G core network but also enable broader community engagement and innovation. By aligning with the Linux Foundation’s extensive ecosystem, we can accelerate the evolution of 5G and even 6G technologies while ensuring transparency, flexibility, and scalability for organizations worldwide.”
The integration of free5GC into the Linux Foundation represents a significant moment for the telecommunications industry. As the first open-source 5G core network software, free5GC has already achieved notable progress in academic research and global product development.
This move will streamline the adoption of 5G technologies across various industries, empowering organisations to innovate, experiment, and deploy cutting-edge network solutions. With the added support of the Linux Foundation, free5GC is set to drive stronger collaboration within the 5G ecosystem, making 5G core networks more accessible and cost-effective, while fostering further technological advancements.
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