Deployment and Management Strategies for 5G Networks

Overview of Scope

This case study examines the Network's innovative Multi-Service Provider (MSP) strategy for building and managing its wireless network. As a leading telecommunications company, Network embarked on a transformative initiative to create a robust and dependable wireless infrastructure. By partnering with multiple service providers and concentrating on key areas such as Radio Access Network (RAN), End-to-End (E2E) integration, and IMS Core teams, Network successfully deployed an advanced network, delivering superior connectivity and services to its customers.

AWS Proserve has requested the formation of resource teams working in a PODs model to build, deploy, and support network functions on the AWS platform within a telecom provider environment. These resources will offer 24/7 coverage in compliance with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and collaborate closely with the existing AWS Build and AMS teams. AWS Preserve aims to secure the most cost-effective rates for resources based on the required capacity.

The resources will meet the necessary experience, skills, and role requirements as outlined, with specific role descriptions, scope, and deliverables provided. The team will implement identified user stories and address the defined backlog in the customer's pre-production environment, which may include:

Current Layered Structure of the Network

To achieve the client’s ambitious 5G rollout target, the company’s architecture team partnered with AWS to design a scalable, automated platform to run its 5G functions. As an industry first and a groundbreaking deployment, the following guidelines were used in architecting the new platform: 

1. Maximize the use of cloud infrastructure and services. 

2. Enable the use of 5G components for services in multiple target environments (Dev/Test/Production/Enterprise) with full automation. 

3. Maximize the use of native automation constructs provided by AWS instead of building overlay automation. 

4. Maintain the flexibility to use a mix of cloud-native APIs as well as existing telecom protocols. 

Architecture flow of the Network

The architecture of 5G network leverages the distributed nature of 5G cloud-native network functions and AWS Cloud flexibility, which optimizes the placement of 5G network functions for optimal performance based on latency, throughput and processing requirements. Through this design, aims to provide nationwide 5G coverage. 

Conclusion

The deployment of a 5G network using a Multi-Service Provider (MSP) approach, leveraging AWS cloud infrastructure, exemplifies an innovative and scalable strategy for modern telecommunications. By integrating various teams such as RAN, E2E, and IMS Core, and utilizing AWS's native automation tools, the company achieved rapid and cost-effective deployment, ensured high network performance, and maintained flexibility for future growth.

Strategic partnerships with specialized service providers enabled comprehensive coverage, optimized network management, and enhanced service delivery. By overcoming challenges related to interoperability, security, and network integration, the approach provided a robust, resilient, and future-proof wireless network. This collaborative and scalable strategy establishes a strong foundation for continued 5G expansion and innovation, setting a benchmark for the industry.