The fifth generation of cellular network technology known as 5G is gradually being deployed by carriers, but initial delivery is likely to be enterprise focused and will have a profound impact on the flow of network traffic and services.

That’s the conclusion of Vikram Saksena (pictured), chief technology officer of cable markets at NetScout Systems Inc., whose customers must deal with the distributed nature of a 5G network where the control plane might be in the core while the user plane moves to the edge.

Ultimately, this will change how data is used and viewed in multiple environments, a space where NetScout has positioned itself to extract meaningful insight from network traffic.

“You can go through this transition if you have a stitched-together and end-to-end view that crosses these boundaries,” Saksena said. “We excel in processing data at the source in real time and converting all of that into actionable intelligence that is analytics and automation friendly. From a NetScout point of view, we are right in the center of this hurricane.”

Saksena spoke with Stu Miniman (@stu), host of theCUBE, at SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio in Boston, Massachusetts. They discussed enterprise interest in 5G deployment and how telecommunications firms are responding to it. (* Disclosure below.)

Services for enterprise verticals

The promise of 5G, which can transmit data at higher quantities and speeds, is enticing for companies seeking enterprise solutions from IoT-connected devices in a number of key areas. This is leading telecommunications firms to prioritize 5G deployment in areas where enterprise interest is highest, according to Saksena.

“There’s a great opportunity right now to turn up services for enterprise verticals in the IoT space because the devices are ready,” Saksena explained. “Enterprises are putting pressure on telecommunications companies to connect all of their devices into the network and there is a monetization opportunity there.”

This monetization opportunity comes at a time when costs for various services, such as voice calls, texts and data, have become significantly cheaper. The coming 5G network offers an opportunity to create services to drive new sources of revenue.

“The industry is at a point now where the telecommunications firms need to grow the top line,” Saksena said. “Once you have a programmable network and software that is intelligent and smart, that becomes a platform for delivering new services.”

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s CUBE Conversations. (* Disclosure: NetScout Systems Inc. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither NetScout nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE