Nokia Networks, Wednesday unveiled a new programmable 5G architecture that the company says will overcome the rigidity of legacy networks, enabling operators to offer network functions under a Network-as-a-Service business model. The new architecture will automatically and dynamically adapts radio access and core network resources to meet the needs of different services, traffic variations over time and location, and network topology, including transport.
According to Nokia, the 5G architecture uses a ‘system of systems’ approach to integrate and align the many different and independent parts of a network to achieve higher performance and more functionality as compared to today’s networks. Nearly all network functions will become software-defined, cognitive technologies will automatically orchestrate the network, and content and processing will be distributed across the network close to where they are needed, said Nokia.
The new programmable 5G architecture includes the following 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.The new 5G architecture concept in a nutshell
Volker Ziegler, Chief Architect at Nokia Networks
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.
