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LTE-A, C-RAN, SDN, NFV, FTTH, IoT: Mobile Network Acronyms Put To The Test in 2017

LTE-A, C-RAN, SDN, NFV, FTTH, IoT: Mobile Network Acronyms Put To The Test in 2017 Image Credit: Vertex Innovations

#1: CHANGING NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

The dominant mobile network trend for 2017 is the continued effort to expand network capacity. To meet this requirement mobile operators will continue to upgrade their networks with LTE-A, C-RAN, SDN and NFV technologies.

There are clear indications that a serious attempt to integrate Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization technologies into the current mobile network infrastructure. C-RAN technologies are an important prerequisite physical requirement to upgrade the network to SDN and NFV technologies. There is currently a considerable effort in expanding C-RAN within certain large mobile operator facilities. This paves the avenue for straight forward LTE-A upgrades and higher network performance and capacity they provide.

#2: MOBILE DEVICES

Mobile data usage will continue to grow rapidly even though mobile device sales will continue to slow down. This market has become reasonably saturated and mobile device sales will become more dependent upon replacement sales and not new mobile users.

Google’s Pixel made a big splash in 2016, and we can expect it to take a considerable amount of the device market from the other Android phones in 2017.

#3: REALLOCATION OF NETWORK ASSETS

Wayne R Smith,
‎President,
Vertex Innovations

Mobile network assets will continue to be reallocated. Network operators will be putting more emphasis on selling assets they don’t consider necessary for future operations given the trend toward NFV and SDN networks. This asset reallocation will revolve around towers and data centers. There will also be increased merger activity with owners of spectrum and network operations.

#4: WIRELESS FIXED NETWORK INNOVATIONS

We will also begin to see some real movement of wireless solutions for delivering the last mile for fixed networks. The fiber-to-the-home model (FTTH) is now recognized as not being an economically feasible solution for providing high speed Internet connections. 2017 will see some of the first serious wireless attempts to crack into this market. LTE-A download speeds can effectively compete with the best download speeds of current broadband cable technologies. This will set the stage for future 5G products and services that will compete with traditional cable network operators.

#5: NET NEUTRALITY

The new government administration promises to alter the direction of the FCC and net neutrality in 2017. There will be new effort by network operators allow “pay for fast lanes” and the like. In addition, the FCC will become more favorable toward network consolidations.

#6: INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) EXPANSION

The critical requirements of IoT devices are low latencies and the ability to manage large numbers of devices. Although most of the IoT discussion includes 5G technologies, LTE-A technologies provide most of the capabilities that IoT operators need except very long battery life and ubiquitous coverage. 2017 will continue to see IoT technologies grow at a fair pace if security concerns are solved. Security will be the Achilles Heel for IoT expansion.

About The Author:
Vertex Innovations president Wayne R Smith has helped build our country’s telecom infrastructure, the foundation upon which much of our 21st Century lives rests. Wayne played a critical role in the switch from dial-up modems to DSL; now he is replacing his own networks with wireless technology. With his multifaceted expertise, Wayne has built massive data centers for wireless carriers in their entirety, from the construction of the building itself to the high-tech guts inside. At Vertex Innovations, Wayne inspires his team to go beyond specialization in a single technology, and rather serve as subject experts in the creative problem-solving for clients and partners.

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