Private 5G networks are becoming more prevalent due to the rise of edge computing and macroeconomic trends that are driving service providers to reconsider how they operate networks and facilitate applications for faster results, better connectivity, and efficiency. Service providers desire the flexibility and independence provided by private 5G networks to embrace new advancements, from Industry 4.0 manufacturing and smart infrastructure to the cloudification of radio access networks (RAN).
Private 5G networks allow service providers to take a more significant role in an enterprise’s crucial business operations by providing a platform that hosts the private network as well as business applications that can run at the edge. This results in a reduction of the network’s footprint, an increase in its flexibility and manageability, and a decrease in the total cost of ownership.
To build a private 5G network, four main pillars must be considered: control, coverage, capacity, and autonomy. These pillars involve the ability to manage devices and functionalities within the network, expand service coverage to remote areas, provide high-capacity bandwidth for applications, and operate independently from public networks to enhance security and resilience.
Red Hat’s perspective is that a shared cloud-native platform is the essential element for unlocking each of these pillars. This platform allows service providers to create solutions using standardized components to meet present network requirements and accommodate future advancements.
Red Hat OpenShift has been equipped with a low latency kernel, optimized performance features, and a fast-data path to fulfill the prerequisites of private 5G networks and applications. This platform is capable of scaling from a single node to multiple nodes, ensuring consistent performance across various deployment scenarios on a hybrid cloud. Red Hat OpenShift serves as a universal platform that provides flexibility to cater to 5G connectivity and edge workloads for industrial applications, enabling service providers to deliver more than just spectrum allocation for private 5G networks.
Red Hat OpenShift features a network of proficient and certified partners that provide networking and operational functionalities for applications, which are managed concurrently on a unified platform. Red Hat has partnered with Airspan to authenticate Airspan’s cloud-native network functions (CNFs) for interoperability and lifecycle management on Red Hat OpenShift, thereby facilitating the creation of private 5G solutions.
To promote the development of private 5G, we have implemented a decomposed radio access network (RAN) utilizing Airspan small cells and cloud-native radio access software in Red Hat’s 5G telco lab in Boston. We have also employed Druid Raemis for the private enterprise core, to showcase a comprehensive demonstration of an end-to-end private 5G network as part of our partnership efforts.
Red Hat OpenShift’s cloud-native infrastructure was established using zero-touch provisioning, encompassing Airspan Control Platform (ACP), and RAN Software for Airspan’s distributed unit (DU) and central unit (CU). Certified CNFs for Red Hat OpenShift was also integrated into the system. Additionally, Red Hat OpenShift incorporates features like low latency kernels, time synchronization, and SR-IOV, which enhances efficiency and connectivity. The physical infrastructure was constructed utilizing 3rd Gen Intel Xeon® Scalable processors, Intel vRAN Accelerator ACC100 Adapter, Intel Ethernet Controller E810, and components of Intel’s FlexRAN™ Reference Architecture for Wireless Access to ensure a smooth operation.
However, Red Hat has collaborated with other partners and customers, including Casa Systems, Intel, and Telenor Sweden, who provide supplementary networking and operational features for applications that are managed together on the same platform. This approach can be implemented in various architectures, expanding the scope of a private 5G network to serve its intended purpose effectively.
In addition to telecommunications, Red Hat furnishes essential infrastructure that is employed in thousands of specific industry and horizontal environments with independent software vendors (ISVs). This encompasses industrial solutions that enhance wireless connectivity, promoting the development of forward-thinking warehouse and manufacturing facilities. The highest value of business transformation can be attained through close cooperation among all partners operating on the uniform platform of Red Hat OpenShift.
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