Virtualized Network Architecture Progressing Rapidly

BELLEVUE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/05/15 -- 4G Americas, the industry trade association and voice of 5G for the Americas, today published a new white paper titled, NFV and SDN Networks, which focuses on key real-world deployment and operational issues as the wireless industry moves toward the utilization of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) in the transformation to all-IP based networks. 3GPP mobile broadband technologies and network transformation to all-IP are key enablers for the Internet of Things and are critical factors in supporting converging technologies and evolving services.

"Today's wireless networks are currently undergoing massive transformation with new and innovative capabilities being introduced to streamline network architecture," stated Chris Pearson, President of 4G Americas. "Enabling emerging technologies such as virtualization, allows for an efficient programmable network for operators with capabilities to rapidly offer a multitude of creative services to the market."

Carriers are beginning to deploy NFV and SDN to increase efficiencies and simplify deployment of new services. NFV, for both the core and radio access networks, is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and functionality into a single virtual network using 'off the shelf' computing equipment.

This white paper focuses on the items that need to be addressed for the wireless industry to be comfortable with virtualizing their networks. The paper specifically describes the prerequisites to deliver predictable mission-critical applications based on NFV. In particular, it examines key architectural aspects and functions delivered by management and orchestration as well as the exploration of technologies such as SDN and their role, along with community efforts such as Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV).

The three main topics examined in this paper include:

• The target Operation Support System/Business Support System (OSS/BSS) environment and implications of a multi-Virtualized Network Function (VNF) and multi-vendor environment
• The operational challenges when transforming operations to manage next-generation infrastructure and management of VNFs' scale and state and its ability to easily scale network functions
• The implementation paths for NFV in Greenfield deployments and combined legacy NF and virtualized environments highlighting a non-intrusive gradual implementation approach

"Many of the developments in virtualizing todays' networks will be enablers for future 5G technologies," stated Ravi Danda, Use Director, NFV/SDN at Mitel. "NFV and SDN could offer greater flexibility, lower capital expenditures, energy saving and improve network efficiency for the massive network traffic requirements and extremely varied use cases coming down the road."

The white paper, NFV and SDN Networks, written collaboratively by members of 4G Americas, is available for free download at www.4gamericas.org.

About 4G Americas: Unifying the Americas Through Mobile Broadband Technology

4G Americas is an industry trade organization composed of leading telecommunications service providers and manufacturers. The organization's mission is to advocate for and foster the advancement and full capabilities of the LTE mobile broadband technology and its evolution beyond to 5G, throughout the ecosystem's networks, services, applications and wirelessly connected devices in the Americas. 4G Americas, the voice of 5G for the Americas, is invested in leading 5G development for the Americas and maintaining the current global innovation lead in North America with LTE technology. 4G Americas is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. More information is available at www.4gamericas.org. Follow our news on Twitter at @4GAmericas and Facebook at www.facebook.com/4gamericas.

4G Americas' Board of Governors members include: Alcatel-Lucent, América Móvil, AT&T, Cable & Wireless, Cisco, CommScope, Entel, Ericsson, HP, Intel, Mitel, Nokia, Qualcomm, Sprint, T-Mobile US, Inc. and Telefónica.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/11/5/11G070757/Images/NFV_SDN_Cover_Page-e8dffe10b4109d6d9052e715fa7fbdb1.jpg

   Contact:4G Americas Vicki Livingston [email protected]  +1 239 732 4662

Source: 4G Americas

You May Also Be Interested In

• Nokia OYJ (NOKIA:FH) (NOK) PT Raised to EUR2.90 at Citi
• Jostens Unveils the University of Michigan’s 2023 Football National Championship Ring
• Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Presents 26 Statewide Preservation Awards at Ceremony in Athens