Telecoms currently stand on the cusp of a new era in network management. Software-defined networking and network functions virtualization promise to revolutionize the industry by enabling carriers to have more dynamic control over their resources and environments. This new-found level of control will allow telcos to make real-time adjustments to network conditions as needed, diverting assets to high-volume users or redirecting traffic in the event of a localized outage. Given such bold assertions, mobile operators may wonder how exactly they can come to obtain these capabilities. The answer is cloud-based computing and network platforms – most notably, OpenStack.
OpenStack's origins began in January 2010 as a joint project between NASA and Rackspace Hosting aimed at creating an open source cloud platform that could be operated on standard, legacy hardware. Since then, more than 200 high-profile organizations spanning various industries have joined the OpenStack project, helping to advance and define the underlying infrastructure. Recognizing the benefits that cloud systems could yield for carriers, including laying the groundwork for service-enhancing technologies such as SDN and NFV, several telcos have since signed on or launched their own OpenStack ventures.
AT&T, for instance, became the first U.S.-based telecom to join the OpenStack project as well as deployed new services in support of mobile app development. IDG News Service reported at the time that the company's Cloud Architect enables mobile operators to deploy new services on an as-needed basis without delay. Telcos such as AT&T were ideal candidates for OpenStack adoption as their existing data center and network environments presented infrastructure that could be built upon and enhanced with an infusion of cloud-based solutions.
OpenStack distinguishes itself with scalability, compability
There are numerous enterprise-level cloud platforms on the market today. So why does OpenStack engender such interest within the telecom industry? Philippe Theriault and Nick Barcet, executive officers at cloud service provider eNovance, told TechTarget that OpenStack – as well as SDN – offers the right combination of scalability and compatibility. These factors cannot be ignored when considering the deployment of cloud- and network-based solutions within the telecom sector as many carriers fear vendor lock-in. If telcos make all of their router, switch and other network component purchases through a single company, they are likely to spend more than if they bought this hardware piecemeal. Often, compatibility concerns force carriers to work solely with one vendor, but a solution like OpenStack can broaden the possibility of driving down costs by making purchases on a case-by-case basis.
These considerations helped convince Ericsson to choose OpenStack as the foundation for its carrier-grade cloud platform in February 2013. Timothy Prickett Morgan, editor for The Register at the time, noted that unlike other industries, telecoms expect their hardware purchases to stand the test of time. Network components could be in place for upwards of a decade, increasing the potential for compatibility concerns. With OpenStack, Ericsson is able provide telco-level virtual solutions that run on existing infrastructure components.
According to Theriault and Barcet, telecoms are particularly interested in OpenStack and SDN's ability to scale up or down service levels. Matching high-quality, intensive services with those users who want them can be difficult with standard network infrastructure. The dynamic scalability of OpenStack allows carrier to better manage their resources and deliver services based on need and priority.
"Because there are no licensing costs [with OpenStack], you are free to define your offering and compete at whatever level you want," Barcet said. "This is a unique feature in the industry, as all other offerings are either very expensive in terms of licensing – therefore blocking you out of some types of market –or limited in terms of back-end [integration] – therefore not allowing you to give the level of offering you want."
Telcos look to the future with OpenStack, SDN, NFV
Better network management will be crucial for telecoms looking to continue maintaining healthy bottom lines as the average revenue per user in this sector has decreased recently. Theriault explained that using the cloud and virtualization to gain more control over service delivery, carriers can utilize their available resources to their full potential. Furthermore, because OpenStack is open source, telcos can avoid breaking the bank on expensive platform licenses.
Deploying OpenStack will be the first step toward launching SDN and NFV solutions for many telecom members. The cloud platform lays the groundwork for carriers to begin infusing their network environments with these advanced technologies. Ultimately, the telecom sector is moving toward systems in which network capabilities are decoupled from their hardware components. OpenStack will help usher in this new era by providing a platform to do so.
