NTT Docomo and NEC Corp. have launched proof-of-concept (PoC) testing to run NEC's 5G core network service in a hybrid cloud environment that leverages Amazon Web Services for cloud-native mobile networks.
As the first step, 5GC network functions will run in the cloud on AWS infrastructure and corresponding 5GC network functions will reside on DOCOMO's on-premises infrastructure to verify availability and operational feasibility, says NTT.
The second step will deploy the 5GC network function on AWS Outposts (on Amazon EC2 compute instances powered by Graviton2 processors) on DOCOMO's premises.
In an era where fundamental computing architecture has shifted to the cloud (remote computing), and where use of public cloud resources follows, the test simply makes sense. Where “computing” once happened primarily on closed and specialized mainframes (Class 5 central office switches), most computing now happens on servers that are increasingly distributed.
Some will worry that by “outsourcing” computing platforms, connectivity service providers are in danger of lessening their value in the ecosystem.
But control of computing processes is one matter; how the computing platform is sourced is a different matter. Every enterprise uses a specific mix of resources and apps to support its core business processes.
At least in principle, it matters little--except for cost reasons--whether the hardware is owned or leased; how core software is purchased or where the processors reside.
Telcos and other connectivity providers long ago gave up the design and manufacture of their core hardware and software resources to third parties, just as they mostly gave up the design and manufacture of end user devices.
The shift to public cloud for computing resources is simply the latest shift.
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