21581 - SCTE Broadband August2022 COMPLETE v1

65 Vol. 44 No. 3 - September 2022 Issue For more information, see www.exfo.com be coupled together, using the standardised communications protocols described above, to create a complete model of all or part of the network. If we also virtualise the computer hardware (i.e., provide a common interface, regardless of the underlying hardware) we can then run the network on off-the- shelf computer hardware, so called “white boxes”, reducing overall network costs. A further concept in NFV is the orchestration process. To build highly reliable and scalable services, NFV requires that the network be able to create new instances of VNF’s and monitor, repair, and bill for the services rendered. These functions are allocated to an orchestration layer to ensure high availability and security, with low operation and maintenance costs. Importantly, the orchestration layer must be able to manage VNFs from different vendors, irrespective of the underlying technology used, allowing the end user to pick and choose the VNFs needed to build their network. Another complementary technology is software defined networking (SDN). In SDN the control and data planes of the network equipment are separated allowing the network equipment to be configured through an SDN controller which would form part of the orchestration function. This would allow theMNO to be able to change the network configuration through orchestration when defining new virtually defined services. Eventually, when the mobile network is virtualised, the MNO will be able to dynamically create new network slices and services through software tools saving time and resources associated with the deployment of proprietary hardware. Conclusion As you can see, there is much more to 5G than an upgrade in the speed of the network, with many changes to the way mobile networks are implemented and used. This brave new world also brings with it new challenges in constructing, operating and maintaining these networks. Rather than 5G being a single solution implemented by all operators, it offers a selection of features from which operators can choose. Operators will choose different solutions to meet cost, coverage, latency, throughput and other parameters required to meet their customer requirements and their operating objectives. For example, in North America we see 5G networks implemented to provide the most coverage, but with lower throughput as well as networks that provide limited coverage but with very high throughput. This will evolve as mobile operators expand their 5G coverage. As 5G capabilities are expanded beyond higher throughput, to include low latency and increased capacity, there will be new user applications being developed—particularly in the areas of intelligent vehicles and smart devices connected through the mobile network. EXFO continues to be an active participant in the 5G standardisation process and is providing tools and innovations to help you meet the challenges ahead. Please contact us if you have questions or would like further information. technical Figure 13: Network function virtualisation and orchestration