Automation infrastructure in 5G
Network automation is the heart of a stable, well-performing 5G network. With every generation of mobile networks, their complexity is increasing. 5G networks are built block by block by combining the network functions with a lot of network gear running a wide variety of heterogeneous technologies.
Figure 17.1 – A typical 5G production network
A typical mid-sized mobile network, as shown in the preceding figure, would comprise thousands of radio units and thousands of servers and network equipment items that would have been procured from multiple vendors running different hardware and operating systems. Hence, to be able to build, test, maintain, observe, and troubleshoot a large network, it is imperative to invest in network automation.
The network automation areas at a high level can be as follows:
