5G presents an enormous opportunity. But like most ground-breaking new technologies affecting the industry, it also increases complexity for wireless network operators, particularly when it comes to network control, management, and security. The question is, how do network operators build a 5G strategy that maximizes the benefits while minimizing the challenges and risks?
A new ebook from Light Reading, an independent B2B digital news, and analysis platform for the global communications networking and services industry delves into that very topic by looking at the issues network operators face as they transition from the initial non-standalone 5G framework that relied on a 4G network core to a fully 5G standalone scheme.
Entitled “5G Signals New Challenges with Network Monitoring and Performance,” the ebook explores some key topics, including the following:
Next-gen network monitoring and control. Standalone 5G’s increased complexity increases the risk of network disruption from software update bugs, competition for resources among network elements, and cyberattacks launched by bad actors. In response, 5G operators are turning to network automation and open radio access network (O-RAN) platforms to improve network control and monitoring.
The cloudification of 5G. When it comes to standalone 5G networks, many of the world’s largest mobile operators are considering moving to a cloud-native network architecture coupled with containers.
5G security. The advent of 5G wireless communications brings with it the need for new security measures, such as the new measures being tested by Verizon.
Cloud-native 5G core. There are many good reasons for operators to deploy a new core network and move to standalone 5G. Offering services linked to new 5G capabilities such as network slicing, edge applications, fixed/mobile convergence, and—in time—ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) is the primary motivation.
Virtualization’s vital role in 5G. Leading service providers have embraced the concept of virtualization technologies but still run only relatively low volumes of their total network traffic over their virtual infrastructure.
To find out more about the network monitoring and performance challenges of 5G and how to solve them, download the ebook 5G Signals New Challenges with Network Monitoring & Performance.