Nokia Networks unveiled its programmable 5G architecture with the ability to reshape radio and core networks in real time to adapt to changing demands. The goal is to enable Network-as-a-Service for operators to offer network functions to other industries. The announcement outlines key principles of this architecture and its suitability to address a variety of 5G use cases.
In a nutshell, Nokia will leverage the concept of network slicing in a fully self-aware software defined transport infrastructure that automatically adapts itself to changing service requirements. This is achieved by Self-Organizing Networks (SON) for transport solution in combination with a multivendor Software-Defined Networking (SDN) fabric control that acts across SDN domains. The network control does not need to talk to every SDN controller since a single Rest Application Programming Interface (API) is used. Similarly, Nokia Networks is also introducing programmable APIs to the virtual core network elements to be able to adapt core network behavior in run time.
Nokia said its enables the core network to adapt to dynamically changing needs, such as the creation of new network slices or mobility profiles, either immediately or on demand.
“Nokia Networks is leading industry-wide 5G architecture work through various vehicles such as the 5G-Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP) project 5G NORMA (5G Novel Radio Multiservice adaptive network Architecture). With our cognitive and cloud-optimized architecture for the 5G era, we have outlined an end-to-end architecture that will allow unprecedented and cognitive customizability to meet stringent performance, security, cost, and energy requirements,” stated Volker Ziegler, Chief Architect at Nokia Networks.
Key architecture functionalities:
- Network Slicing: Multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) are created within the same infrastructure to run services that have completely different requirements on latency, reliability, throughput and mobility.
- Dynamic Experience Management (DEM): Automatic Quality of Experience (QoE) optimization of each application session provides superior customer experience even under high network load using up to 30 percent fewer resources. DEM can already be deployed in today’s networks.
- Service-determined connectivity: Conventionally, the network’s available connectivity determines what services are possible. In 5G, devices and services are no longer tied to a single point to point IP connection. In fact, the connectivity path can be freely chosen according to actual service demand. By enabling a service to determine the connectivity, the required latency and reliability can be assured by the network.
- Fast traffic forwarding: A distributed telco cloud structure, enabled by the Nokia AirFrame Data Center Solution, will support a new generation of critical services in such sectors as automotive and industrial.
- Mobility on demand: A wide range of mobility needs can be met, from stationary utility meters to high-speed trains. Typically, only 30 percent of users are mobile and do not need mobility support, providing an opportunity to use network resources more efficiently.