From atomic to pervasive networks

Moving to converged networks, overcoming traditional dichotomies

Monica Paolini, Senza Fili

|1| © Senza Fili 2016

 The network of the future is pervasive
and requires wireless and wireline convergence

Demand

• Multiple technology and usage trends are

fundamentally changing the way networks are
planned, deployed and operated
Densification 5G
• Today’s atomic networks are well tested and
understood, but not sufficiently flexible and dynamic Pervasive
networks
• Pervasive networks are the result of multiple, parallel
convergence trends

IoT Virtualization

Pervasive networks evolve from today’s atomic networks

as way to address demand, enabled by new technology
October 26, 2017 |2| © Senza Fili 2016
 Evolution from an atomic to a pervasive network: trends

Atomic networks Pervasive networks

Discrete RAN elements (BTS, cells)
Single layer
Capacity defines network performance
Hardware-based functionality
Network elements tied to a location
Tight separation of core and RAN
User plane and control plane on the same link
Network KPIs
Capacity per network element
Antennas and baseband separate: no-more-cells,
phantom-cell approach
Multiple layers
Dynamic capacity levels dependent on traffic
management, latency equally important to QoE
Virtualized functions, location
Location as a strategic choice
(centralized versus distributed approaches)
Merging of core and RAN functionality, MEC
Separation of user plane and control plane
QoE, tied to network KPIs
Capacity density (per sq km)

In pervasive networks, capacity is no longer the only currency.

Latency, resource utilization and optimization are key – and dynamic
October 26, 2017 |3| © Senza Fili 2016
 Evolution from an atomic to a pervasive network: beyond technology

Atomic networks Pervasive networks

Network-centric: subscriber adapts to the network
Capacity determines service availability
RAN elements on telecom assets
Operator-controlled networks
Operator-owned networks
Hard-defined links from network to devices
User-centric: network adapts to subscriber demand
Applications, traffic type, policy determine use of
capacity
Non-telecom assets: indoor, street furniture, trains
Enterprise, residential users, neutral hosts, integrators
acquire larger role
New ownership models
Flexible connectivity: dual connectivity, non-SIM
devices, Wi-Fi offload, device-to-device

Pervasive networks get closer to subscribers and to devices,

and become embedded in the environment and in the devices
October 26, 2017 |4| © Senza Fili 2016
 Pervasive networks will challenge the notion of discrete cells

China Mobile, Chih-Lin: DOCOMO:

No-more-cells user-centric model Phantom cells

Source: China Mobile Source: DOCOMO

October 26, 2017 |5| © Senza Fili 2016

 Many technology enablers push for convergence

NR and RAN Wi-Fi and cellular RAN innovation: Licensed/unlicensed Spectrum expansion:
coexistence mutual dependency MIMO, CA integration mmW

Real-time network
New spectrum MEC and edge Traffic management RAN and core
optimization:
models: CBRS computing with network slicing virtualization
analytics, AI

Transition will be gradual, starting before 5G, continuing with 5G

October 26, 2017 |6| © Senza Fili 2016

 Five traditional dichotomies are fading away
to create converged networks

Distributed / Centralized
Wireless / Wireline
Fixed / Mobile
RAN / Core
Backhaul / Fronthaul

Operating a mobile network is becoming

more like directing an orchestra than running a utility
October 26, 2017 |7| © Senza Fili 2016
 Demands on fronthaul and backhaul increase in pervasive networks

Source: KDDI, Nokia, Viavi, Small Cell Forum, Senza Fili

Fiber and move beyond CPRI crucial

to ensure fronthaul/backhaul do not become the bottleneck
October 26, 2017 |8| © Senza Fili 2016
 Senza Fili provides advisory support on wireless data technologies and services. At Senza Fili we have in depth
expertise in financial modelling, market forecasts and research, white paper preparation, business plan
support, RFP preparation and management, due diligence, and training. Our client base is international and
spans the entire value chain: clients include wireline, fixed wireless, and mobile operators, enterprises and
other vertical players, vendors, system integrators, investors, regulators, and industry associations. We provide
a bridge between technologies and services, helping our clients assess established and emerging technologies,
leverage these technologies to support new or existing services, and build solid, profitable business models.
Independent advice, a strong quantitative orientation, and an international perspective are the hallmarks of
our work. For additional information, visit www.senzafiliconsulting.com, or contact us at
info@senzafiliconsulting.com or +1 425 657 4991.

Monica Paolini, PhD, is the founder and president of Senza Fili. She is an expert in wireless technologies and
has helped clients worldwide to understand technology and customer requirements, evaluate business plan
opportunities, market their services and products, and estimate the market size and revenue opportunity of
new and established wireless technologies. She has frequently been invited to give presentations at
conferences and has written several reports and articles on wireless broadband technologies. She has a PhD in
cognitive science from the University of California, San Diego (US), an MBA from the University of Oxford (UK),
and a BA/MA in philosophy from the University of Bologna (Italy). You can reach her at
monica.paolini@senzafiliconsulting.com.

© 2017 Senza Fili Consulting, LLC. All rights reserved. Cover photo Domenicodezio/AdobeStock.

October 26, 2017 |9| © Senza Fili 2016