This blog introduces the key drivers, opportunities, and considerations of deploying 5G networks on public cloud platforms. It highlights the convergence of telecom and hyperscale technologies and sets the stage for deeper discussions in subsequent parts of the series.
Introduction
The deployment of 5G on public cloud infrastructure is transforming the telecom industry. Telcos are striving to meet the growing demand for ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and agile operations. At the same time, they are also looking to unlock new revenue streams by enabling enterprise use cases through network APIs and private 5G solutions. These capabilities position Telcos to offer tailored services to enterprises, driving innovation and customer engagement.
By advancing telecom with cloud-native principles, telecom operators can unlock efficiencies, innovate faster, and provide differentiated services to their customers. However, the transition to public cloud for telecom brings unique considerations that need to be carefully addressed. This blog explores why public cloud is becoming a preferred platform for 5G deployment models.
Key Drivers for Public Cloud in 5G
A. Core Business Drivers
1. Scalability and Agility
Description: Hyperscale platforms enable telecom operators to adjust resources dynamically, helping them meet changing customer demands and traffic patterns.
Frameworks such as Kubernetes are foundational to this scalability, offering automated scaling of network functions in real-time. In contrast, traditional network functions often lack the flexibility and automation required to handle dynamic traffic surges, leading to inefficiencies.
Motivation:
Provides elasticity to handle traffic surges without service degradation.
Ensures rapid service launches to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market.
2. Cost Optimization in 5G Public Cloud Deployments
Description: Hyperscalers offer pay-as-you-go models and handle infrastructure maintenance, shifting cost structures from CAPEX to OPEX.
In addition to shifting costs from CAPEX to OPEX, fully cloud-native networks yield significant ROI by reducing total cost of ownership (TCO). Unlike traditional and hybrid models, cloud-native deployments streamline operational expenses through automation and scalability, delivering faster returns on investment.
Motivation:
Reduces upfront infrastructure investments.
Lowers operational costs by outsourcing maintenance and upgrades
3. Operational Simplification in Telecom
Description: Offloading infrastructure management to hyperscalers reduces operational complexity and allows Telcos to focus on their core services.
Motivation:
Minimizes the need for large in-house operational teams.
Simplifies day-to-day operations with automated management tools.
B. Innovation and Growth
Ease of Adopting 5G Network Automation and AI/ML: Hyperscalers provide platforms that simplify the integration of advanced technologies like AI/ML for 5G optimization.
Motivation:
Accelerates the adoption of predictive analytics for network optimization.
Automates operational tasks, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
2. Future-Ready 5G Network Infrastructure
Description: Hyperscale 5G deployments facilitate seamless adoption of future technologies like 6G without significant hardware replacements.
Motivation:
Enables smoother transitions to emerging technologies.
Reduces costs associated with hardware upgrades and legacy infrastructure replacements.
Minimizes technology debt by relying on continuously updated cloud-native tools and frameworks.
3. 5G Developer Ecosystem Enablement
Description: Hyperscalers’ developer tools and marketplaces empower Telcos to create and extend their services rapidly.
Motivation:
Encourages collaboration with enterprise customers.
Accelerates 5G system integration solutions and deployment of new services.
C. Sustainability and Resilience
1. Sustainable 5G Network Operations
Description: Hyperscalers’ investments in energy-efficient telecom operations and infrastructure align with Telcos’ environmental goals.
Motivation:
Supports corporate ESG objectives.
Reduces the carbon footprint of network operations.
2. Global Reach and Resilience
Description: Hyperscalers’ global presence supports multi-region rollouts and ensures consistent service availability.
Motivation:
Enhances disaster recovery capabilities.
Provides robust fault tolerance for mission-critical applications.
Acknowledging the Challenges
While the advantages of deploying 5G on public cloud platforms are significant, this shift also introduces a unique set of challenges, such as latency management, integration complexities, and ensuring telco-grade reliability. These challenges, along with their potential solutions, are explored in detail in Part 4: Challenges and Mitigations of Running 5G on Public Cloud
Conclusion
The case for deploying 5G networks on public cloud platforms is compelling but nuanced. While the potential for cost savings, 5G network scalability, and innovation is immense, the challenges of latency, security, and reliability cannot be overlooked. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of hyperscalers, telecom operators can accelerate their cloud-native 5G transformation journey while ensuring robust, future-proof networks.
In the next part of the series, Part-2: Architectural Insights, we will delve into the architectural insights of 5G network components on public cloud platforms, exploring how core network functions are reimagined in a cloud-native 5G context.
Authors:
Vivek Tiwary, Vice President and Head of Network Services Business, Tata Elxsi
RajaGopalan Rajappa, CTO, Communication Technologies and Platforms, Tata Elxsi
