Reimagining the End-to-End Mobile Network in the 5G Era<br />Taking a new software-centric approach<br />A software-defined architecture that includes cloud virtualization and <br />automation will help operators meet these new application and operational <br />demands. They will reap the benefits of true multivendor networks that are <br />harmonized with a common feature set across all target markets. With the <br />onset of a new software-defined architecture, the supply chain for mobile <br />network infrastructure deployment changes at a fundamental level. It will <br />support an unprecedented level of versatility, allowing operators to combine <br />best-in-class functions from multiple vendors. Operators also can evolve <br />services as needed to address the demands of a competitive environment.<br />Because the new architectures embrace a software-centric approach, they <br />promote more automation and service versatility. A prime example would <br />be 5G use cases that target enterprise and industry vertical markets. These <br />services should be supported using APIs that are designed to manage <br />resources in an end-to-end network and won’t function properly without <br />network automation. Additionally, many of the software-defined functions <br />will occur in virtualized environments at or near the edge of networks, which <br />enables support for a newer breed of low-latency services defined in edge <br />computing or multiaccess edge computing (MEC).1 This white paper addresses the limitations of current models for building 5G-ready mobile networks. It then highlights new strategies and their technical foundations. As a real-world illustration, we present the approach followed by Rakuten Mobile Network Inc. (RMN). RMN is creating a radically new business model which is enabled by applying cloud and automation techniques in innovative ways.<br />A new end-to-end mobile architecture <br />Any new end-to-end mobile network deployed today must adopt basic 5G system architecture principles even if it’s using LTE access. Operators should embrace the key principles that underpin the foundation of the 5G system architecture. A monolithic functional implementation such as the base transceiver station (BTS) is an example of why the current mobile supply chain is outdated. With this implementation, operators must pick one vendor per market and harmonize the macro vendor markets to a “lowest common denominator” set of features. The result is a limited set of applications that operators can provide to their customers. Sometimes, the vendor dependencies and lock-in can propagate into other domains when proprietary features are implemented. For example, mobility management entities (MMEs) are often implemented with the RAN vendor, and small cells are often coupled to the macro RAN using features such as HetNet<br />