This is "just" the core network. The 5G core is IP based, like in 4G.
From what I remember, every 4G core funcion already could run virtualized in regular server farms. So you're limited by having access to software that implement 3gpp specs.
Most ISPs run their packet cores on proprietary systems (Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE). But I believe that has more to do with their scale than with the complexity of the 3gpp specs.
I think the real trouble is running radio frequency stuff.
3G too runs on IP, for everything but voice at least. Technically you probably can run some parts on non-IP, but it makes everything vastly more expensive so I've personally not seen it.
> Most ISPs run their packet cores on proprietary systems (Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE). But I believe that has more to do with their scale than with the complexity of the 3gpp specs.
The core network often runs on bullshit "router looking" machines, where it would actually be much better if it'd just be a normal rackmounted server.
I believe the vendors just want to impress. The deliver this fancy looking blade chassi, with "packet forwarding line cards". But turns out those line cards are just Linux boxes with normal Intel CPUs.
The line cards often don't even talk across any backplane (for user data). They have their own NICs.
Or worse, their implementation is line cards to an existing Cisco or Juniper router. Ugh. I mean sure if they were fast, but they're not.
You can charge so much more if it looks like a magic box, and not just a rackmounted Linux box in disguise.
And often the implementations are completely bananas, when looking at it from a network engineer's point of view. Like "ok, you speak OSPF over the backplane between line cards. Can they forward data over those links too? No? Then that's not how OSPF works. Stop that."
The reason ISPs buy them is that they interoperate, and can be integrated into their network. That's 100% a software problem. And they need a vendor who will come and fix whatever it is that they want. And the ISP will pay through the nose for it.
I've set up OpenGGSN on a real network in an hour, and said I can replace this multi year project with it running on a couple of rack mounted Linux boxes.
Yeah, but will I support it, and guarantee that I implement a metric tonne of 3GPP specs? Will I prove why I do, when a roaming partner complains? No. Well, that's where the millions are going, isn't it?
> I think the real trouble is running radio frequency stuff.
From what I remember, every 4G core funcion already could run virtualized in regular server farms. So you're limited by having access to software that implement 3gpp specs.
Most ISPs run their packet cores on proprietary systems (Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE). But I believe that has more to do with their scale than with the complexity of the 3gpp specs.
I think the real trouble is running radio frequency stuff.