With the evolution from 4G to 5G, communications service providers (CSPs) are finding that replicating a 4G network with new technology is not enough – 5G requires new methods and new ways of thinking. This includes the introduction of a 5G core architecture.
To create a truly optimized 5G core network, there are six areas for success: 5G core applications at the center, new automation capabilities, improved security architecture, new operations and lifecycle management, improved cloud infrastructure and 5G voice implementation internet.
Let’s take a deeper look at each of them.
- Cloud Native Infrastructure
Business Opportunity To realize the 5G offer, the core network needs to support cloud native network functions and container-based software. This was done by introducing a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) certified container as a service (CaaS) platform based on Kubernetes. Key features of this platform include efficient automation of continuous integration / continuous delivery (CI / CD) loops, automated lifecycle management (LCM) and management of containerized networks (CNFs) through a managed software defined infrastructure (SDI). A highly technical way of explaining all of this is how a holistic approach to cloud-native initiatives is key to enabling CSPs to manage their networks more efficiently, as well as to roll out additional services and experiences to delight customers and further monetize their offers. .
5G is not just about introducing 5G new radio (NR). The new 5G Core (5GC) in combination with the 5G NR standalone is a prerequisite for fully enjoying and implementing the full potential of 5G as defined by 3GPP. Moving forward it will be further strengthened as 5GC will be a platform for innovation and standardization. The new 5GC represents a paradigm shift. A new service-oriented architecture (SBA) has been launched, designed to implement Cloud Native, and represents new opportunities and challenges as it transforms existing software into secure, automated and lifecycle management tools.
All service providers setting up 5G networks must consider how to set up mobile voice services on the network. With 5G, there are new opportunities to develop more advanced voice and communication services, including interactive calling, a combination of AR and VR, and other future real-time communication services. The introduction of 5G voice will take place at different stages of technology evolution, depending on the speed at which 5G coverage is available across the country, as well as the capabilities of the device. CSPs should carefully plan the evolution of 5G voice services to ensure optimal voice / data performance on 5G networks.
- Automation and orchestration
Enhanced automation and improved orchestration are required to manage the new capabilities and complexities of 5G offers. It provides improved control over operational costs and greater ability to comply with future business requirements. It should also cover multi-domain and end-to-end services. The traditional “silos” need to be replaced with a more horizontal service-oriented approach, where cross-domain end-to-end (E2E) orchestration will become a business necessity. An example of this is network slicing, which will be important to address new business opportunities in both the enterprise and consumer segments.
- Operation and life cycle management
5GC’s deployment marks the first time that Cloud Native technology will be introduced into the core of the mobile network, which includes software decay and improved lifecycles, higher anonymity between applications and built-in infrastructure, higher levels of application elasticity and degradation of automation and orchestration.
CSPs need to focus on introducing modern solutions to address operational challenges and scoping an architecture with legacy and virtualized elements in the core. This means investing in technologies that can bring them closer to a Zero-Touch network, providing faster and more innovative services that also benefit Edge computing and network slicing.
The network will be further threatened with new uses and with the increasing number of connected devices. Security is not just about threat detection and mitigation. It is a complete framework ranging from implementing security standards to monitoring and managing a range of security applications across the entire 5G network.
With the introduction of a Cloud Native 5G core, current solutions and future needs to be evaluated – and automated. Security automation easily enhances the level of security management across the entire network, staying on top of security status and responding quickly to new security risks. This will enable CSPs to stay consistently safe by adapting their security posture to the evolving security risk landscape. It also opens up various business opportunities in the field of security.
Focusing on these six cases, CSPs can create an optimized 5G core architecture and start monetizing 5G gift opportunities.
