Software-defined access (SD-Access) involves the use of software to abstract physical nodes and gateways to create a highly programmable, automated access network. Principled upon the decoupling of the control and the forwarding plane, SD-Access aims to connect SDN-native and traditional access nodes to a SD-Access controller in the cloud, liberating the devices on the ground from having to run complex controls and policies. The use of service intents enables automated network configuration across any access technology. This significantly enhances the speed by which network devices are commissioned, configured and updated and delivers the agility that is required to deliver gigabit connectivity to homes and industries.
SD-Access controller central to realizing SD-Access benefits
A significant development in the SD-Access space is Nokia Altiplano Access Controller. Along with its SDN-native access node portfolio – the Lightspan series, it offers broadband operators a unified, cloud-based network management and automation solution. The solution leverages cloud-native capabilities, with network management operations configured as standalone micro services that can be spun up, deployed and scaled as required, increasing network programmability and the dynamism by which broadband services are defined, provisioned and managed.
A new challenge: Gaps in operator IT and cloud capabilities
While SD-Access and software-defined access network (SDAN) are already on most operators’ agenda, to fully virtualize and control a network from the cloud requires a wide range of deployment and operational capabilities. Among these would be a deep understanding of how SDAN increases network efficiencies and drives down costs, and how traditional and multi-vendor network architectures can be adapted to a common cloud-based, virtualized operating environment. As no two transitioning journeys are the same, expert analysis becomes critical in quantifying the benefits and identifying the custom pathways suited to an operator’s environment.
A more novel requirement in the context of access networks is the need for robust system integration capabilities. Given that it is essentially a software-based deployment, SD-Access marks a clear departure from traditional network implementations that are hardware-centric, creating a huge gap in operator readiness. Skillsets and expertise in system integration specifically in IT and cloud which encompass the use of microservices, DevOps, SDKs, open-source and APIs must be on par with other cloud deployments. These capabilities are needed not only during inception when legacy hardware are migrated to SD-Access nodes but also throughout the network lifecycle as new functions are created, more complex configurations are meted out and as new technologies and vendors enter the equation.
Cloud Acceleration Services for SDAN
Nokia Cloud Acceleration Services
Tackling these challenges and fast-tracking operator SD-Access deployments is Nokia’s cloud acceleration services. Nokia’s cloud acceleration services encompass two major service segments which are key in supporting the operationalization of SD-Access—business and technology consulting and system integration. Combined, they pave way for a gradual, yet stable and reliable transitioning towards SDAN for operators while providing new builders a fast track for their SDAN deployments.
Nokia consulting services enable operators to define their SDAN transition path, quantify the associated benefits upfront and evaluate the relevant technologies. By establishing the efficiencies enabled by SDAN in terms of time and resources, and by identifying the effect of SDAN on operators’ existing operating models, operators can ascertain the operational areas that will benefit the most from its adoption. They are also able to identify where the biggest OpEx savings are likely to be realized, for example across proactive network care, zero-touch device turn-up or software lifecycle management. FCAPS routine tasks for example, are expected to see OpEx savings of 25-40%.
These analyses will be encapsulated in a solution design and deployment plan which includes OSS consultancy and a customer blueprint enlisting service intents, controller configurations and slicing models customized to the operator’s network. This allows operators to improve the speed by which decisions pertaining to SDAN are made, specifically in identifying the nodes, technologies or geographies that are to be migrated in the near term. It also helps to identify areas where SDAN can help to speed up the launch of new technologies like XGS-PON or roll out fiber networks in new geographic areas, fast.
Bringing IT philosophies to access network management
Operators implementing SDAN also benefit from Nokia’s structured approach to system integration, drawn from its vast experience across various system integration projects. The approach greatly facilitates the rollout of SDAN which requires seamless integration on both ends – northbound to operator legacy/next-gen OSS, and southbound to multivendor OLTs and ONUs.
Nokia’s structured approach adopts automated delivery, deployment and testing - typically used in IT best practices like DevOps – to enable regular software improvements. This enables updates and new SDAN features/services to be delivered and tested in the operator’s test and validation environment before being put into production, paving way towards Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD). The approach not only expedites the introduction of new features/services, but also minimizes rollbacks and service disruptions as operators transition to SDAN. IT-based practices adapted to SDAN implementation include the use of CI/CD, open API’s and open source software, which, along with modular configurations enabled by the Altiplano Access Controller, help operators augment their service velocity.
With cloud design and integration being a relatively new capability among operators, there is a strong requirement for support in terms of designing, implementing and operating their cloud infrastructure. Nokia’s services come into play in this scenario with the company supporting operators on their cloud setups which includes designing their public cloud solutions on Amazon, Google and Microsoft, configuring the services and finally installing and integrating the Altiplano Access Controller. These extend to the design and implementation on bare metal and private clouds including the design and implementation of Kubernetes container management solution.
Nokia’s system integration services for SD-Access is supported by Nokia’s global SDAN integration and migration centers which allow the reuse of perfected components including intent and test case libraries in recurring SDAN use cases, improving the time-to-market for new players entering the space.
SDAN requires a disciplined system integration and automation approach
SDAN: From quick wins to long-term gains
A very pertinent aspect to SDAN is realizing that each deployment scenario will be distinctively unique from another as the mix of access technologies, network topologies, vendor ecosystems and service/business priorities vary widely between operators. However, boasting more than 40 active customers, Nokia is able to lend the insights gathered from a series of successful deployments carried out in the past 3 years, which saw its Altiplano Access Controller and Lightspan series of access nodes delivering SD-Access for different use cases and environments.
One such example is the introduction of G.fast services by a Tier-1 North American operator. Given tight deadlines, the use of Nokia’s SDAN solution expedited the deployment of a new G.fast network, featuring zero-touch provisioning and a dual-vendor setup. The project saw the use of lightweight protocol adapters which allowed the operator to maximize the use of its existing IT infrastructure and OSS and accelerate the delivery of its G.fast services.
In another example, the deployment of SDAN solution from Nokia enabled a greenfield FTTH wholesale player operating a G-PON network to introduce more control and autonomy for its customers and tenants. With open access to its infrastructure, customers and tenants are able to customize and tune their network slices based on their needs, leading to the wholesale provider establishing long-term contracts successfully.
Conclusion
With broadband access network management pivoting towards the cloud, operators are expected to go beyond cloud basics and conquer new depths in cloud-native technologies to speed up their SD-Access deployments. Deep IT expertise and cloud capabilities combined with deep networking expertise will play a critical role as cloud-based architectures continue to define how fixed broadband access networks are controlled and managed. By pairing up their internal capabilities with Nokia’s cloud acceleration services, operators can speed up their SDAN rollouts and in doing so, enhance network performance, increase service velocity and significantly improve their bottom line.
Learn more at:
- Nokia Cloud Acceleration Services
- Nokia Software Defined Access
- Nokia’s whitepaper ‘The broadband network as a software platform’
