Introduction

 This architecture connected 5G base stations with the existing Evolved Packet Core (EPC), enabling enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services. As the transition to the 5G Standalone (SA) architecture progresses, the 5G network will incorporate a new 5G core, allowing it to fully support various 5G use cases. This not only increases throughput for mobile broadband services but also facilitates Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC). These advancements are crucial for innovative services like augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR), streaming games, autonomous driving, and smart factories. So, now let us see Why Move to a Cloud-Native 5G Network along with User-friendly LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & Cellular RF drive test equipment and User-friendly Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools in detail.

The Evolution to Cloud-Native Networks

With the explosion of mobile traffic on LTE networks, the mobile core began migrating to the Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) architecture. This shift allowed network functions to be virtualized and run as software on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers, rather than on dedicated network appliances. As the 5G mobile core continues to evolve, it is further leveraging the cloud concept by transitioning to a cloud-native core. In a cloud-native core, network functions are modularized and containerized, enabling highly flexible scaling and adaptation to changing demands with minimal operational intervention.

What is Cloud-Native?

Cloud-native refers to a set of best practices observed from companies like Netflix, Twitter, Alibaba, Uber, and Facebook. These practices include continuous deployment, containers, and microservices, which help achieve elastic scaling, rapid introduction of new functionality, and increased automation. The overarching goal is to enable quick and cost-efficient adaptation to market demands.

For communications service providers (CSPs), cloud-native applications are essentially network functions. Examples include the Session Management Function (SMF) and the User Plane Function (UPF).

Some important cloud-native principles are:

• Containers: A method of virtualization that packages an application with all its dependencies, such as executables, binaries, libraries, and configuration files.
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): A DevOps technique supporting frequent code changes or service updates, ensuring no negative impact on service functionality.
• Dynamic Cloud-Based Management: Utilizing automation, containers as a service (CaaS), and other orchestration tools to maintain continuous network operation.

Why Move to Cloud-Native?

As operators shift towards service-oriented business models, they face the challenge of quickly launching and frequently updating services in response to market demands. The introduction of the NFV environment was a significant step in reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and enhancing service agility. NFV allowed network functions to run as software on COTS servers, enabling operators to manage network capacity and optimize CAPEX to accommodate traffic and subscriber growth.

However, NFV also increased the complexity of network operations due to vendor-specific solutions managing their implementations of Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs). In the 5G era, where connectivity spans from small sensors to high-speed automobiles, innovation becomes crucial for network transformation.

For Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), adopting a cloud-native approach offers several advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Reduced capital and operational expenditure.
• Faster Time-to-Market: Quicker deployment of new services.
• Scalability: Ability to grow services in response to demand.
• Flexibility: Rapid updates and development of new services.
• Resiliency: Quick replacement of failed service instances.

The 5G Core Cloud-Native Network

The 5G Standalone (5G SA) New Radio and Core (5G NR, 5GC) necessitate unprecedented levels of automation across the end-to-end network to meet the demands of new services and applications. The 5G Core Network must be flexible, programmable, and distributed to provide the necessary agility for shortening time-to-market and achieving optimal performance and efficiency gains. Unlike previous generations, the 5G Standalone Core differentiates service providers by enabling the delivery of varied custom services directly from the core, which is the true value of 5G.

Conclusion

The move to a cloud-native 5G network is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic necessity for operators to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. By embracing cloud-native principles, operators can achieve significant cost savings, faster deployment times, and enhanced service flexibility. The cloud-native 5G core is designed to handle the diverse and dynamic demands of modern network services, ensuring that operators can quickly adapt to new opportunities and challenges. As the industry continues to innovate, the cloud-native approach will be crucial for delivering the full potential of 5G to consumers and businesses alike. Also read similar articles from here.