In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards for 5G, network functions are implemented as virtual network functions (VNFs) that can run on commercial off-the-shelf servers. One type of VNF is a cloud-native network function (CNF). A CNF is a software implementation of a function traditionally performed on a physical device, and runs inside Linux containers, which are typically orchestrated by Kubernetes or its variants such as Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform.
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation defines standards for CNFs and their containers. Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform complies with these standards for containerized applications running on Linux, which allows for a consistent deployment experience and prevents operators from being locked into proprietary standards.
5G network functions are split into core network and radio access network (RAN) domains, and the functions are implemented using a service-based architecture. The core functions deal with 5G control, signaling, policies, and subscriber management.
Core functions are optimized using the control and user plane separation (CUPS) model. For example, a user plane function (UPF) can be implemented as UPF control plane and UPF user plane. The CUPS model is used for two reasons:
- A specific functionality with stringent latency requirements can be implemented on the data path, while the control part is implemented on the slower control path.
- Control plane and user plane functions can be deployed in different location, for instance at the network edge and at the far edge such as Cell Sites.
The separate control plane in the Telecom Infrastructure Blocks for Red Hat management cloud and certain types of workload clouds means a communications service provider can use the CUPS model as a reference when planning control plane and user plan functions.
RAN functions deal with access, mobility, and user interaction with the 5G core. 5G RAN functions include centralized units implemented in the midhaul 5G RAN, and distributed units implemented in the fronthaul 5G RAN.
Dell Telecom Infrastructure Blocks for Red Hat is designed to meet a customer's expectations of what an enterprise-ready containerized application management system can provide to run 5G networks. Dell's sixteenth generation servers for the data center and network edge can run resource-heavy CNFs. The variety of installation options make it easy to place servers where they need to be to meet the low and ultra-low latency required by the 5G core network and RAN.