The Rise of DCSG, 5G Networks Focus on Automation and Programmability, Re-Thinking Service and Support

By Dean Bogdanovic, Founder and CEO of Volta Networks

As 5G continues to dominate the headlines, how can carriers build their networks to scale up 5G service in the coming year? What will be the next phase in the evolution of service provider networks? Here are three predictions for network operators in 2021.

1.   Tier 1 Operators Go Big with DCSG - Several major carriers will move to large-scale production deployments of disaggregated cell site gateways using white-box switches in 2021, advancing from the testing phase and small-scale deployments that they have conducted in recent years, including through the Telecom Infra Project (TIP).

2.   5G's Scale Demands Automation & Programmability - Upon large-scale deployments of virtual routing and white-box switches, carriers will then shift their focus in 2021 to how to manage these networks, looking at automating service creation and the need for programmability given the potentially massive number of network locations. This will elevate the importance of zero-touch provisioning and the ability to turn on services quickly using Netconf and YANG service models (and without expensive manual intervention).

3.   Operators Re-Think Annual Service Contracts - Once a key revenue stream of legacy network equipment vendors, the shift to open networking means operators will rethink how to service and support their network, evolving from an annual service contract to simply keeping spare white boxes on hand so they can be swapped in as needed and then returned for a replacement. This model also allows routing software to be sold as a subscription, so all updates and maintenance are included. This gives operators the option to use OpEx budgets so that software costs are tied to revenue. This simplifies network maintenance and reduces annual operating costs.

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