Huawei interprets the simplified network concept for 5G

The Hague, Netherlands, October 17, 2018]: At the SDN NFV World Congress 2018, Huawei explains what simplified 5G networks mean from four key aspects: simplified sites, simplified architecture, simplified protocols, and simplified operations & maintenance (O&M).

As the 5G era approaches, individuals are expecting an inspired service experience and industry customers are working to expedite their digital transformation. This requires telecom operators to continually innovate in their services while reducing OPEX. Complicated networks built in the 2G, 3G, and 4G eras can no longer meet the above requirements, but simplified networks can. Operators can build end-to-end simplified networks by simplifying sites, network architecture, protocols, and O&M, to ensure that networks are centrally managed, agile and effective, automated, and intelligent. Simplified networks can offer the high bandwidth and low latency needed by new services, shorten the TTM of new services, and reduce the construction and maintenance cost per bit.

Simplified sites: By integrating multi-band, multi-mode antennas and other equipment, simplified sites provide unified access to networks through multiple methods, and also modularize and standardize equipment. Simplified sites are designed specifically for 5G, helping customers reduce TCO and enable fast site deployment and service provisioning.

Simplified architecture: The flat and flexible end-to-end network architecture decouples services from physical networks, which means a single network can meet the requirements of different service scenarios by allocating network resources on demand. The simplified cloud-based architecture uses a unified cloud platform to support the cloudification of services systems, IT systems, and other relevant scenarios.

Simplified protocols: Standard network protocols are introduced in every aspect of networks. For example, the IPv6 Segment Routing (SRv6) technology was introduced in transmission networks, integrating the previous 10-plus protocols into two new ones. For core networks, the 15 old protocols were upgraded to scalable and standard HTTPS protocols.

Simplified O&M: As operators go digital, they need to change their existing service development and operational models. Cross-department functional teams can leverage an agile service design and orchestration platform to build new service models, and embed O&M policies and other service assets into intelligent network engine systems. The result is automated and intelligent network O&M.

Yuan Bo, Director of Huawei Network Architecture Transformation Marketing Dept, noted:

"Evolution towards simplified 5G networks must be advanced by scenario and follow three key principles: First, we should focus on major issues related to OPEX. Second, we need to start from a single domain to multiple domains, and then form end-to-end simplified networks. Third, we must start from simplifying physical networks, and then simplify network architecture and network O&M. Simplified networks go far beyond the simplification of a single product, and are more about simplifying system architecture."

Huawei is now exploring simplified networks in all aspects, helping operators and enterprises move beyond the traditional discrete network architecture. The aim is to enable network digitization with a focus on service experience.