The Evolving Landscape of Telco Infrastructure: Omidia Insights for Network Technologists

As telecom network technologists, we’re witnessing a significant shift in how mobile network functions are being deployed and managed. A recent survey by Omdia (https://omdia.tech.informa.com/om122765/telco-cloud-adoption-and-vendor-perception-survey–2024)  provides fascinating insights into the current state and future direction of telco infrastructure. Let’s break down the key findings and their implications for our industry.

Key Findings in the Report –

1. Centralized Unit (CU) Deployment: The data shows a strong preference for deploying CU functions on telcos’ private cloud infrastructure (over 70%). This trend underscores the importance of maintaining control over critical network elements while leveraging cloud technologies for flexibility and scalability.
2. Distributed User Plane Functions (UPF): For distributed mobile core functions like UPF, we see a similar preference for private cloud infrastructure. However, there’s a noticeable increase in the use of centralized public cloud for these functions compared to CU deployment. This suggests a growing comfort with hybrid cloud approaches for certain network elements.
3. Distributed Unit (DU) Deployment: The pattern for DU deployment closely mirrors that of CU, with a strong bias towards private cloud infrastructure. This alignment indicates a cohesive strategy for RAN (Radio Access Network) virtualization across different functional splits.
4. Management & Orchestration: Interestingly, while private cloud remains dominant, we see increased adoption of centralized public cloud for management and orchestration tasks. This points to the industry’s recognition of the scalability and advanced tooling available in public cloud environments for complex orchestration needs.
5. Centralized Mobile Core Functions (e.g., AMF): Here we observe the most diverse deployment strategy. While private cloud still leads, there’s significant adoption of centralized public cloud, on-premise public cloud, and even appliance-based solutions (PNF). This variety reflects the different approaches telcos are taking to modernize their core networks, balancing factors like legacy integration, security, and operational efficiency.

Insights for Cloud Native Developers –

1. Containerization Takes the Lead:

The survey reveals a clear trend towards containerized network functions (CNFs) over virtualized network functions (VNFs). This shift aligns with the rollout of 5G core functions. Simultaneously, we’re seeing a decline in physical network functions (PNFs), indicating the sunsetting of legacy (3G) networks. As technologists, this underscores the importance of mastering container technologies and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.

2. Infrastructure Choices for CNFs:

Interestingly, there’s no clear winner between bare metal and VMs for deploying CNFs. Operators appreciate the operational simplicity and better resource management offered by VM infrastructure. This suggests that we should maintain proficiency in both bare metal and VM environments to support diverse deployment strategies.

3. Multi-Cloud Approach:

While private cloud remains dominant, the survey indicates a growing tendency to use multiple cloud infrastructure types, including public cloud regions and on-premises public cloud for specific workloads. This hybrid approach requires us to develop a broad skill set covering various cloud environments and their integration.

4. Vendor Lock-In Concerns:

Telcos perceive vendor lock-in as a challenge across all cloud types, both public and private. The preference for private cloud is primarily driven by better security and privacy. However, public cloud is expected to offer the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). As technologists, we need to focus on developing strategies that maximize the benefits of each cloud type while minimizing lock-in risks.

5. Open-Source Momentum:

There’s a strong interest in open-source technologies among telcos. Operators like Telus, TIM, and Orange are leading contributors to projects such as Nephio. This trend highlights the importance of engaging with open-source communities and incorporating these technologies into our skill sets.

6. Shifting Standards Landscape:

Interestingly, there’s a decline in the perceived importance of ETSI NFV for telco cloud architecture. Projects like Nephio are gaining traction, almost matching ETSI NFV in industry interest. This shift suggests we should broaden our focus beyond traditional telecom standards to include emerging open-source initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Telco Technologists:

1. Containerization Skills: With the rise of CNFs, proficiency in container technologies, particularly Kubernetes, is becoming essential. Nothing new here 🙂
2. Hybrid Infrastructure Expertise: Develop skills across bare metal, VM, and various cloud environments to support diverse deployment strategies.
3. Multi-Cloud Management: Focus on technologies and practices that enable effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
4. Security in Distributed Environments: With functions distributed across various infrastructure types, expertise in securing complex, multi-cloud architectures is critical.
5. Open-Source Engagement: Actively participate in and contribute to open-source projects relevant to telco cloud architecture.
6. Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of emerging standards and open-source initiatives that are shaping the future of telco infrastructure.

Conclusion

The future of telecom networks is clearly cloud-centric and increasingly open-source driven, but with a nuanced approach that balances the benefits of private and public cloud infrastructures, containerization, and emerging standards.

Feature Image by evening_tao on Freepik