The evolution of mobile networks has led to the development of the 5G network, the fifth-generation technology that delivers ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and massive connectivity to modern telecommunications. To support the massive data traffic, ultra-reliable communications, and IoT expansion, 5G networks require a highly flexible and scalable infrastructure. This is where cloud-native technology plays a crucial role in supporting 5G network deployment.

Cloud-native 5G leverages containerization, microservices, and automation to create a more scalable and efficient network for the future of digital transformation. Let’s delve deeper into what is cloud-native and its importance for the 5G network.

What is Cloud Native?

Cloud-native is a modern approach to building, deploying, and managing applications designed specifically for cloud environments. Unlike traditional monolithic applications, cloud-native solutions are built for cloud computing from the ground up. 

Cloud-native leverages modern technologies like containers, Kubernetes, microservices, immutable infrastructure, and declarative APIs to create scalable, resilient, and flexible applications. These capabilities enable rapid adaptation to customer demands and market changes while ensuring continuous service delivery and innovation.

Cloud-native offers numerous advantages for businesses, allowing them to enhance their operational efficiency and responsiveness. Some of these advantages are:

• Faster Time to Market: Cloud-native applications allow for rapid development and deployment cycles, helping businesses push updates and new features live without disrupting service.

• Scalability: Cloud-native can automatically scale resources up and down based on demand. This can ensure efficient resource utilization. Scalability benefit is crucial for handling varying workloads, especially during peak traffic periods.

• Cost Efficiency: By leveraging cloud infrastructure, businesses can reduce the need for building expensive physical hardware and maintenance costs. This can result in significant long-term savings in operational expenditures.

• Resilience and Reliability: Cloud-native applications are designed with fault tolerance in mind. They can detect failures and recover automatically, ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime. 

What is Cloud-Native 5G?

Cloud-native solutions are widely adopted across industries, including telecommunications, as cloud-native 5G. The cloud-native 5G refers to the next generation of mobile network architecture that utilizes cloud-native technology to enhance the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency of 5G network deployments. Designed for modern applications, it supports network slicing, multi-access edge computing (MEC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.

Unlike traditional 5G networks that rely on dedicated hardware, cloud-native 5G core networks leverage virtualization and containerization for dynamic resource allocation and management. This enables rapid service deployment and scaling, allowing operators to adapt to shifting demands without major infrastructure upgrades.

Cloud-native 5G also leverages microservices architecture, breaking network functions into smaller, independent components for easier development, deployment, and scaling. This modularity fosters innovation, enhances reliability, and integrates seamlessly with advanced technologies like edge computing and AI, improving performance, reducing latency, and elevating user experience.

What are the Three Types of 5G Network?

The 5G technology has revolutionized telecommunications by introducing three types of networks, each designed to cater to specific needs and use cases.

Low-band 5G

Low-band 5G operates on frequencies between 600 and 900 MHz, which is near the frequencies of TV and radio stations. This type is still considerably faster than 4G network speeds and capable of traveling long distances and covering broader areas. It also offers better penetration through obstacles but at lower speeds compared to higher bands. This type of network might be beneficial for companies who are willing to sacrifice speed for bigger reach.

Mid-band 5G

Despite being faster than low-band, mid-band 5G isn’t capable of reaching the speeds required by cutting-edge technology like AI, ML, and IoT. It operates on frequencies between 1 to 6 GHz, which gives more capacity to move a bigger volume of data but not over a large area. It strikes a balance between coverage and speed, making it suitable for urban areas where moderate speeds are adequate.

High-band 5G

Operates above 24 GHz, high-band 5G provides extremely high speeds but with limited range and penetration capabilities. Despite being unable to travel very far, high-band 5G is capable of delivering lightning-fast speeds that 5G’s most exciting applications demand. It sets the standard for many innovative technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, and smarter cities. This band is typically deployed in dense urban environments for applications requiring ultra-fast data rates. 

Why is Cloud Native Important for 5G Network?

Cloud-native implementation is crucial for 5G networks due to its capability to address the unique demands of modern telecommunications. Here are some key reasons why cloud-native is important for 5G deployment:

Scalability and Flexibility

The Service-Based Architecture (SBA) defined in the 5G Core network standard is inherently cloud-native, enabling communication service providers to scale network functions dynamically and tailor services using network slicing. Network operators can increase or decrease computing power, storage, and network resources efficiently. This will ensure optimal performance during peak traffic periods and cost savings during low usage.

Operational Efficiency 

The 5G network leverages cloud-native technologies to automate network management and maintenance using Kubernetes for container orchestration and CI/CD pipelines for continuous updates. This will minimize manual intervention and lower operational costs while improving resource utilization. Automation also simplifies network function deployment, making it easier to manage hybrid environments and multi-access edge computing (MEC).

Innovation and Speed

Cloud-native 5G enables faster time-to-market for new services by supporting continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes. This will enhance the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging business opportunities, such as IoT, edge computing, and latency-sensitive applications. It also accelerates software updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements, allowing businesses to innovate rapidly and stay ahead of the competition.

Support for Complex Network Requirements

The cloud-native technology simplifies the management of complex 5G networks by enabling disaggregation of network functions. This allows businesses to efficiently handle diverse services ranging from high-bandwidth applications like gaming to low-traffic IoT sensors. 

Focus on Innovation, Not Hiring: Outsource Your IT Needs to PhinCon

The rapid adoption of cloud-native 5G requires telecom companies to stay agile and focus on innovation rather than administrative burdens. Expanding into Indonesia or building a remote IT team shouldn’t slow down your progress. To meet this demand, PhinCon Pte Ltd offers seamless IT outsourcing solutions that provide access to highly skilled Indonesian IT professionals across various roles and experience levels. Our IT talent pools including experts in various roles, including Android Developer, iOS Developer, Fullstack Developer, Golang Developer, Mobile Developer, Quality Assurance, DevOps, Business Analyst, Solution Architect, Project Manager, and L2 Operation Support.

With our cost-effective IT talent acquisition services, you can scale your team effortlessly while we handle the rest of the administrative complexities, from recruitment to payroll and tax compliance. Additionally, our BPO solutions, including contact center services, can enhance customer experience while reducing operational costs. 

As your trusted partner in IT outsourcing services, we ensure you get the best IT people to support your business expansion to Indonesia or remote operations. By leveraging PhinCon’s established infrastructure and expertise, you can accelerate native cloud 5G initiatives without the complexity of hiring and managing teams.

For more information regarding IT outsourcing services, contact us through email at sales.sg@phincon.com. 

Editor: Irnadia Fardila