Future of Networks: Nokia implements Future X network architecture for 5G

Nokia has outlined the scope of its Future X architecture for 5G, the basis for its new reference silicon design and the foundation of its 5G technology and services portfolio.

This portfolio - to be showcased at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month - comprises a full, end-to-end network that delivers up to three times more data capacity per cell site and 30% lower total cost of operation through artificial intelligence-based automation.

Nokia's 5G Future X provides unprecedented baseband performance thanks to Nokia's breakthrough ReefShark chipset. ReefShark chipsets also decrease the size of massive MIMO antennas by 50%, increasing deployment options, while achieving a 64% reduction in the power consumption of baseband units. Machine Learning-enabled beamforming technologies allow networks to 'follow' mobile devices and extend cell range as well as provide massive capacity wherever it is needed.

The 5G Future X network is one that scales efficiently to cope with the traffic and constant creation of new services and applications assigned to network 'slices'. Nokia 5G core solutions, such as Cloud Packet Core, combine cloud-native architecture concepts such as network function software disaggregation, stateless functional software elements with 'state-efficient' processing and a shared data layer, with automated cloud networking and dynamic lifecycle management. These enable best-in-class service delivery, agility and operational efficiency.

Automation is key to realizing the full operating potential of 5G and dealing with the massive number of network connections and their different requirements. Nokia's advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning throughout the network to radio cell sites, wherever they are located, improve both performance and operations.

Automation on top of a Nokia cloud-native infrastructure can also result in operational savings of around 30%. Nokia embraces a culture of open architecture to enable customers to access - and benefit from - intelligence within their network.

Stéphane Téral, executive director, Research and Analysis, IHS Markit, said: "Nokia has taken a holistic approach with its 5G Future X portfolio in order to drive the performance required by 5G applications. With such a wide breadth of technology and services expertise it is in a unique position to optimize the operator path to 5G."

Marc Rouanne, president of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: "With our 5G Future X portfolio we are opening up network data and network intelligence to our customers to jointly program and tailor machine learning and automation that runs on our new silicon. The Future X architecture invented by our Nokia Bell Labs research has made it possible to mix the knowledge across Nokia, between IP, Optics, RF, software and innovative in-house silicon. We now expect to be able to deliver unprecedented capabilities and efficiencies that will allow our customers to transform their service offering for 5G."