It is generally accepted that new generations are more advanced than previous generations. The same can be said for network technologies. Just as 4G increased speeds tenfold when it was introduced in the late 2000s, the fifth-generation wireless network promises eclipse 4G capabilities in terms of speed, latency and connectivity.
The basic architecture is the basis of a 5G network. C 5G core network architecture, network operators can more easily offer new features to users. Furthermore, use of a software defined network (SDN), users will be able to validate devices safely and securely on the network and have features from a centralized location.
The current implementation of 5G is still in its infancy among businesses, and the architecture of the 5G core network will take even longer, in part due to the breadth of opportunities available. Once deployed, operators and businesses will need to monitor the performance of their networks to ensure successful operations and maintain sufficient service quality (QoS), according to author William Stollings. QoS can be guaranteed with service level agreements (SLA) between suppliers and businesses.
IN Chapter 9 of 5G Wireless: A comprehensive introduction, by Pearson, Stallings explains QoS, network cutting, the requirements for the functionality of the core network, etc. His book gives an introductory overview of 5G networks.
In this Questions Stallings discusses the possibilities of 5G and more.
Editor’s note: The following interview was edited for clarity and duration.
What should businesses prioritize when evaluating 5G deployment?
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William Stollings: The question for businesses is when and how to take advantage of the opportunities provided by 5G capabilities. From a corporate perspective, 5G provides faster speeds, lower latencies, and more QoS support for more demanding 4G applications. As with any major upgrade of the company’s IT infrastructure, a business case must be made to take advantage of the new services and opportunities.
How do SDN and NFV facilitate 5G?
Betting: The two main factors for 5G services provided by major networks are SDN and NFV [network functions virtualization]. NFV and SDN are independent but complementary schemes.
SDN separates network traffic control data and control planes, making network traffic control and routing more flexible and efficient. NFV separates network functions from specific hardware platforms through virtualization to make the provision of these functions more efficient and flexible.
Virtualization can be applied to router data plane functions and other network functions, including SDN controller functions. In this way, both can be used alone, but both can be combined to reap greater benefits.
The deployment of SDN and NFV in the core network provides network operators with the flexibility needed to maintain QoS requirements, including the use of network slicing, moving functionality to the edge of the network and flexible addition and subtraction of network and computing resources. The result is reduced costs, improved network flexibility and scalability, and reduced time to market new applications and services.
What requirements should netting companies take into account?
Betting: One of the most important features of 5G networks is network cutting. In fact, network slicing is essential for the exploitation of the capabilities set for 5G. Grid slicing allows you to create segments dedicated to logical, stand-alone, and split network functions. Network slicing supports the creation of virtual networks to provide a QoS, such as guaranteed latency, bandwidth, reliability and priority.
An enterprise may require multiple network slices to support application areas with different QoS requirements. To help with this process, standardization organizations have defined the concept of Generic [Network] Piece pattern [GST]which is designated by the GSM Association. GST provides a standardized list of attributes that can be used to characterize different types of network slices, tailored to the needs of different application areas.
What is the difference between priority, policy control and QoS? Why is this distinction important?
Stallions: Political control is a generic term. There are many different policies in a network that can be implemented. For example, policies related to security, mobility, use of access technologies and so on. When discussing policies, it is important to understand the context.
Policies are sets of rules that specify the user-level services and functions available to a particular user provided by the network. The policy specifies the priority to be applied to a user’s traffic and the QoS to be provided to the user.
Policy control is the process by which network resources are controlled to implement a policy for a user.
Priorities are values assigned to specific packets transmitted to or by a user, which determines the relative importance of transmitting these packets during the forthcoming media usability.
QoS are the measurable properties of the overall performance of a network service that can be pre-guaranteed by an SLA between a user and a service provider to meet the specific requirements of the client application. These properties may include bandwidth (frequency band), transit delay (latency), error rate, security, packet loss, packet jitter, and so on.
Priority is usually included in the QoS category, but it is useful when discussing policy control to separate priority from other QoS parameters. The 5G network will support many commercial services and regulatory services that need priority treatment. In addition, there are situations in which it is desirable to change the priority of a user connection, but to keep other QoS parameters constant and vice versa.
How important is QoS in network functionality?
Stallings: The wide variety of applications and devices that will use 5G networks, including cloud computing, big data, the widespread use of mobile devices in corporate networks and the increasing use of video streaming, contribute to the growing difficulty of maintaining a satisfactory network performance.
The key tool for characterizing and measuring the network performance that an enterprise wants to achieve is QoS. QoS enables network professionals to determine if a network meets user needs and to diagnose problem areas that require adjustment of network management and network traffic control.
How do SLAs between suppliers and businesses provide appropriate QoS?
Stallings: SLA is a contract between a network provider and a customer which defines specific aspects of the service to be provided. The definition is formal and usually specifies the quantitative thresholds that must be met. SLAs typically include availability, latency, network packet delivery, and peak and average performance. They can be defined for the entire network service. For 5G, SLAs are usually defined on the basis of a network segment.
What prompted you to write this book?
Stallings: 5G is a stretched theme that covers four main elements: applications and uses; the radio interface between the consumer equipment and the 5G network; the radio access network consisting of interconnected antenna base stations; and the core network.
There was not a single book that was a comprehensive review and study of the four areas, so my book intends to provide that.
What advice do you have for readers about 5G?
Stallings: Whatever your area of interest related to 5G, it will be useful for you to have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of 5G.