Small Cell Forum to tackle NFV

The virtualization movement continues to gain steam as the mobile space looks for ways to increase efficiency while reducing costs.
The latest push comes from the Small Cell Forum, which announced plans to address network function virtualization as part of its on-going “release program.” The trade organization said the new initiative will “evaluate virtualization options to understand the optimal approach to apply to the small cell layer.”
“Operators need to understand how small cells fit into the cloud-[radio access network] story,” explained Sue Monahan, CEO of the Small Cell Forum. “We believe there will be better [return on investment] if operators can plan virtualization across the entire [heterogeneous network], including small cells, rather than as a separate exercise. This work stream will consider the impact of such an approach on everything from network architecture to the business case. We are now inviting forum members and the wider industry to get behind this initiative and help shape the future of mobile networks through our release work.”
As part of its initiative, the Small Cell Forum released a slideshow offering up its plans for NFV in regards to the small cell environment. The information provided was gleaned from a meeting of forum members at a recent event, and includes insight into the business case, front haul considerations and backhaul possibilities.
A recent report from Maravedis-Rethink predicts nearly three-fourth of mobile operators will deploy some form of network functions virtualization by 2018, noting the move to NFV will be one of the most important ways carriers will “transform their cost base and their service delivery in the next few years.” However, the firm cautions that hurdles will need to be overcome for carriers to realize the full potential of NFV.
“This figure has already risen from our previous estimate of 67%, made six months ago indicating the accelerating momentum behind NFV,” explained Caroline Gabriel, research director at Maravedis-Rethink and author of the research note. “This quickening pace of adoption reflects rising confidence in the platform, often as part of an SDN strategy and the urgent need for operators to reduce costs and deliver new services more quickly and responsively.”
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