Network architecture functional and physical domains

The high-level network architecture, Figure 6, represents a transformational trend in how networks are built, operated and opened for innovation. Instead of dedicated, well-defined, and vertically integrated nodes connected in a static network setup, the networks are evolving towards a more dynamically adaptable architecture where Network Functions (NF) and applications are running where and when they are needed to optimize performance, cost and business agility. This network transformation is enabled through the horizontalization of the network architecture where distributed cloud resources, joint data pipelines and Open APIs open for the programmability and flexibility needed – both inside the network and to the outside world.

With 5G we have created a powerful innovation platform that can be used to meet the communication and connectivity needs of virtually any sector of industry or society. Driving openness in 5G and beyond to foster new application development and new business is critically important.

A central part of openness in 5G networks, and beyond, is the horizontal architecture. It is important to leverage the strength of business relevant vertical/functional interfaces and additional horizontal interfaces in the network platform for flexibility in a cloud world, all coordinated across relevant standardization bodies, open-source projects, alliances and partnerships.

Separation through horizontalization between HW, cloud, transport, data pipelines, network applications, management, and monetization will consequently make interfaces supporting horizontalization more important for multi-vendor interfaces.

In this transition, correct modularization of network functionality is crucial. The open air-interface, open RAN-packet core interface and global roaming specified in 3GPP is the basis, and remain so, for the global scale with a strong ecosystem.

The horizontal architecture functional domains will be further described in the following chapters. Vertical topological domains span from “Devices / Local networks” on the left all the way to “Global sites” on the right.

Global connectivity and services have by tradition been deployed in a federated model, where the interfaces are well standardized and offered by any service provider. The complexity with multiple networks has been hidden through interoperability and inter service providers exchange models.

However, the rapid deployment of new features makes the traditional standardized federated model hard to use. New methods of enabling exposure of assets from multiple networks is needed, like network asset facilitation and exchange, or even, on service providers request, aggregation into a single offering.