TECHNICAL
Figure 2. Disaggregated Hardware Functions
brownfield areas that might require higher bandwidth capacity, or simply to offload business or high usage customers from DOCSIS to PON. Also, the distributed hardware and software architecture results in a unified platform capable of providing both DOCSIS and PON, resulting in less time to market as operations and support teams do not have to be trained on two separate systems. The Role of NFV and Cloud-native Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) and cloud-native concepts have driven a transformation of both wireless and wireline access network infrastructure to more software-centric architectures with cloud-like capabilities. Shown in Figure 4 is a high-level view of wireline and wireless network infrastructure, showing virtualised network functions such as virtualised CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System), virtualised BNG (Broadband Network Gateway) and 5G virtualised UPF (User Plane Function) which are now deployed in software on generic compute platforms powered by Intel Xeon CPUs. Virtualising network functions in order to decouple and abstract them from hardware is a well-established approach and is quickly moving to the next phase of cloud-native deployments. This is driving adoption of cloud principles such
solution separates specialised software functions into their own containers that work together seamlessly but can also be managed independently. Access platforms that host multitenant applications are excellent candidates for disaggregation, as components that are common to a virtualised CMTS and a virtualised PON solution could be reused across elements that manage both access networks. These elements can operate concurrently under the same compute module, offering a unified access platform.
DAA and Enabling Technologies Why PON? Due to competitive pressure, or in order to offer a broader service portfolio, or just to future proof their access networks, many cable operators have already deployed a version of a PON solution for residential and/or business applications. PON can offer faster bandwidth and higher reliability, but today, use of PON is ideal for greenfield solutions. Having the ability to co-locate a PON OLT plug within the same Remote-PHY or Remote MAC Device opens up new revenue possibilities to the MSOs, as they can now offer PON service into targeted
Figure 3. Disaggregated Software Functions
94
Volume 46 No.1 March 2024
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker