Nokia has announced the launch of Shared Data Layer, a central point of storage for all the data used by Virtualised Network Functions (VNFs).
According to Nokia, the Shared Data Layer frees VNFs from the need to manage their own data, creating so-called stateless VNFs, providing a more flexible, programmable network for 5G and the Internet-ofThings. The network also becomes extremely reliable because should a stateless VNF fail, a replacement can be activated and instantly access the shared data to maintain seamless service continuity, said Nokia.
The Nokia Shared Data Layer also reduces turnaround times for introducing new services and thus can boost operator revenues more quickly. Innovation cycles can be as rapid as those run by Internet companies, but with the added benefit of telco grade reliability. Nokia Shared Data Layer also provides a common, secure database for all VNF-related data such as subscription and session data. Additionally, VNFs can store and retrieve their data through open interfaces.
Gabriel Brown, senior analyst with Heavy Reading
Abstracting subscriber and state information from individual network functions, can simplify the design, deployment and operation of cloud-hosted mobile networks. The stateless network will generate new, cloud-optimized architectures that can help operators deliver diverse applications at a significantly lower cost-of-production.
Michael Clever, head of Converged Core, Mobile Networks at Nokia
The Shared Data Layer is a milestone in the evolution of telco networks as we head towards 5G. Operators will be able to innovate faster while retaining telco grade reliability and benefit from unlimited scale and elasticity to cater to the demands of even the largest next generation converged networks.
