Powering MNO’s 5G Future - A Collaborative Vision

Most Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) prioritized the deployment of 5G RAN infrastructure for both data and voice. Refarming 3G radio spectrum, implementing network slicing, adopting cloud native architectures, and driving automation are key for mobile networks. This blog will explore these ideas and show how Ribbon’s solutions are focused on this accelerated adoption.

Why Moving On from 3G is Key for 5G Success

Mobile network operators are shutting down their 3G networks. 3G shutdown enables the reallocation of valuable 3G spectrum to 5G and eliminates the costs of running legacy infrastructure. AT&T recently pointed out that retaining older 3G technology requires a lot of resources and reduces the efficiency and capacity of newer 5G networks.

By repurposing resources and simplifying the network, MNOs can:

1. Accelerate and enhance 4G/5G rollout: reallocating spectrum strengthens the current 4G LTE network, and as resources become available for 5G networks, it offers even better speeds and capacity.
2. Foster innovation: concentrating on one modern network allows MNOs to create new 5G services rather than maintaining outdated systems.

This perspective is consistent with Ribbon’s vision of developing efficient and adaptable networks. Ribbon's solutions are designed to enhance VoLTE capabilities on 4G networks and to prepare for future voice services (VoNR) on 5G networks.

Enhancing User Experiences: The Role of Network Slicing

MNOs recognize the future potential of network slicing. It’s a key piece of the 5G architecture, enabling mobile operators to set up multiple virtual networks for specific services and applications. This allows MNOs to create value-added solutions for specific vertical markets. Operators hope to unlock new business models and enhance user experiences to both drive incremental revenue and lower churn. Consider the possibilities:

• Dedicated slices for critical industries or business needs: ensuring reliable and quick connections for applications like self-driving cars or automated factories.
• Enhanced mobile broadband slices: offering increased bandwidth and reduced delay, suitable for virtual reality or high-definition streaming.
• Massive IoT slices: Efficiently connect many low-power devices for innovative new systems like smart city applications or environmental monitoring.

Ribbon’s advanced 5G core solutions are built to embrace network slicing. Our adaptable solutions enable MNOs to set up and manage network slices, ensuring the required Quality of Service (QoS) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for various applications. Our expertise in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) integration is crucial, delivering seamless real-time communication services over these virtual networks.

Cloud Native and Automation Benefits for Wireless Networks

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) emphasize the importance of cloud native solutions and automation to manage the increasing complexity of wireless networks today. Transitioning to a 5G Standalone (SA) core, with its virtual network functions, requires focusing on cloud native solutions.

Cloud native designs offer several benefits:

1. Scalability and agility: Kubernetes orchestration helps to adjust network resources to meet demand. Elastic scaling means resources only scale up when additional capacity is required and scale down during idle periods. A GitOps-based operational framework makes it exponentially faster to roll out new software and services, accelerating time to market.
2. Cost Efficiency: In addition to more cost-effective auto scaling, Kubernetes dramatically simplifies patch implementations and upgrades, reducing the need for manual oversight and lowering operational expenses.
3. Microservices boost network reliability with distributed designs and automated recovery. Pricey N+1 designs to ensure availability can be replaced with networks that automatically restart failed containers, replace them, or cease uses unresponsive ones.

MNOs need automation to simplify network operations such as setup, configuration, monitoring, and problem-solving. Automation helps to:

• Reduce Operational Complexity: As networks scale and more assets are virtual, automation is required to monitor complex network environments.
• Improve Efficiency: Handle repetitive tasks so engineering teams can concentrate on developing new features and creative solutions.
• Ensure Service Quality: Find and fix network issues quickly, reducing service interruptions.

The Ribbon cloud native IMS solution and mobile analytics platform focus on automation. Our approach uses dynamic autoscaling and integrates within larger orchestration frameworks, enabling MNOs to automate key network functions and improve operational efficiency and security.

Collaborating for 5G Success

As a trusted partner, Ribbon Communications delivers innovative, 3GPP-compliant solutions to streamline the winding down of 3G and the rise of 5G. By focusing on advanced IMS, adopting network slicing, and providing cloud native, automated solutions, we help MNOs build a strong, flexible, secure, and future-ready network. This network supports innovation and offers its customers outstanding experience. We look forward to shaping the future of mobile communications together.

To understand how Ribbon is assisting with the transition to 5G, check out a video featuring Paul Clough from Ribbon. In this video, he explains the 3G sunset process and how Ribbon’s IMS solution plays a role in making the switch smooth and efficient.