Welcome to the Global Women Tech Network Conference 2022: A Journey into Network Modernization for 5G and Beyond
Hello. My name is Richard Dagga and I am a Software Engineer at CISCO. I have over a decade of experience developing packet optical products, contributing to the future of digital connectivity. I welcome all technology enthusiasts, especially women, to join me in this exciting discussion about the future of the internet as we know it. Today, we will explore network modernization for 5G and beyond.
What is 5G and Why do we need it?
5G or the fifth-generation cellular technology is a game changer in global digital connectivity. Here are some of the use-cases for 5G:
- Enhanced Mobile Broadband or eMBB: An evolved version of existing 4G networks, eMBB offers faster connectivity and improved user experience for video streaming and lightning-fast browsing.
- Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication or URLLC: This critical network use-case is designed for real-time, mission-critical communication. From autonomous vehicle technology to industrial robotic automation, and emergency disaster response, URLLC requires a highly reliable, low latency network.
- Machine Type Communication or MMTC: Designed to scale the Internet of Things (IoT), MMTC can serve billions of low-cost, long-range, and energy-efficient connected devices across remote applications and cloud locations.
While these use-cases are appealing in the modern world, they cannot be achieved without network modernization. With 66% of the global population expected to be connected to the internet by 2023, the demand for bandwidth will be tremendous. Leveraging robust networks becomes vital for swift browsing and high-quality video content delivery.
The Need for Network Modernization
The current network infrastructures may not support the bandwidth requirements in the future. A challenge that 5G addresses with its promise of a new, flexible, and more efficient system. The demand for more bandwidth and higher speeds have initiated trends towards software-defined networking and new cloud architecture.
New Network Architecture for 5G
The 5G networking model supports service creation capabilities with features in both the radio access network, known as New Radios, and the 5G core network, known as 5GC or 5G Core. The implementation of this approach allows network architecture to be built from modular elements that assemble into a whole through open and interoperable interfaces.
This new architecture addresses challenges associated with building multi-vendor networks by harmonizing them to a common feature set. It also simplifies network operations, reduces operational costs, and offers better control over capital expenditures, rendering the current mobile supply chain outdated.
Edge Infrastructure for Network Modernization
With the decomposition of 5G and its software-defined networking attribute, a major architectural shift to an edge infrastructure that combines decomposed subscriber management with access functionality is made possible. The Edge Cloud, for instance, facilitates offloading and enables local virtualized services at a metro level.
The Future of Network Modernization with 5G
The full potential of 5G can only be unlocked when the cloud network is fully virtualized from the RAN (Radio Access Network) to the Core. This disruptive architectural shift enables applications such as fixed wireless, low latency services, and rich media. It brings about a great user experience enabled by mobile access edge computing infrastructure.
In conclusion, the success of 5G services is dependent on network modernization and the benefits are immense. If you're interested in the technical advancements happening in CISCO and other companies within the world of 5G, feel free to connect with me on Linkedin.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to the Women in Technology for providing a platform that gathers individuals passionate about technology and the advancement of women in tech.
Lastly, thank you for joining me in this enlightening session on network modernization for 5G and beyond. Explore the potential of the digital future, today.