Author: Alan Weissberger
U.S. broadband subscriber growth slowed in 1Q-2024 after net adds in 2023
The pace of U.S. broadband subscriber growth slowed considerably in the first quarter of 2024 as fiber, fixed wireless access (FWA) and cable broadband service providers collectively turned in results that were worse than what they posted in the year-ago period.
Total industry net additions, including or excluding FWA and geosynchronous (GEO) satellite broadband providers, decelerated noticeably in Q1 2024. The total market’s growth rate decreased to just 2.3% year-over-year, the slowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, analysts at MoffettNathanson estimated in its latest broadband industry trends report (paid subscription required). When FWA and GEO satellite categories were excluded, the growth rate was much worse: -0.7%.
The overall number of U.S. broadband market subscribers decelerated by 299,000 net adds versus the year-ago quarter. “That was the most abrupt since Q2 2022,” said MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett. “The bottom line is that penetration of home broadband stalled, and perhaps even declined in the quarter, particularly if one adjusts for the growth in homes passed in rural areas under RDOF [Rural Digital Opportunity Fund] subsidies and unsubsidized edgeouts,” Moffett wrote.
Here’s a breakdown of U.S. broadband subscribers by access type:
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) providers added 879,000 subs in Q1 2024, down from a gain of 925,000 in the year-ago period.
- Fiber net adds also slowed – from 487,000 in Q1 2024 versus a gain of 517,000 in the year-ago quarter.
- DSL losses of 560,000 in Q1 were similar to a year-ago loss of 571,000.
- MSO/cable network operators shed 169,000 broadband subs in Q1, much worse than a year-ago gain of about 71,000 subs.
“The culprit for cable’s weaker broadband net additions was a slower market growth rate,” though lower new household formation and cessation of ACP enrollments in the quarter also played a role, Moffett noted.
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According to Statista, the total number of broadband subscribers in the U.S. stood at 114.7 million at the end of 2023, This was an increase of over four million subscribers compared to the previous year.
Source: Statista
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In March 2024, Leitman Research found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 3,520,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 2023, similar to a pro forma gain of 3,530,000 subscribers in 2022.
Leitman Research findings for 2023:
- The top cable companies lost about 65,000 subscribers in 2023 – compared to about 530,000 net adds in 2022
- The top wireline phone companies lost about 80,000 total broadband subscribers in 2023 – compared to about 180,000 net losses in 2022
- Wireline Telcos had about 1.97 million net adds via fiber in 2023, offset by about 2.05 million non-fiber net losses
- Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 3,665,000 subscribers in 2023 – compared to about 3,185,000 net adds in 2022
- Fixed wireless services accounted for 104% of the total net broadband additions in 2023, compared to 90% of the net adds in 2022, and 20% of the net adds in 2021
“Top broadband providers added about 3.5 million subscribers in 2023, similar to the number of broadband adds in 2022,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Over the past four years, top providers added about 15.9 million broadband subscribers, compared to about 10.2 million net broadband adds in the prior four (pre-pandemic) years.”
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References:
https://www.lightreading.com/broadband/us-broadband-subscriber-pace-slows-across-the-board
https://www.statista.com/statistics/217938/number-of-us-broadband-internet-subscribers/
Dell’Oro: Broadband access equipment sales to increase in 2025 led by XGS-PON deployments
Fiber and Fixed Wireless Access are the fastest growing fixed broadband technologies in the OECD
Verizon’s 2023 broadband net additions led by FWA at 375K
Charter Communications: surprise drop in broadband subs, homes passed increased, HFC network upgrade delayed to 2026
Altice USA transition to fiber access; MoffettNathanson analysis of low population growth on cablecos broadband growth
Hubble Network Makes Earth-to-Space Bluetooth Satellite Connection; Life360 Global Location Tracking Network
U.S. startup Hubble Network has claimed Bluetooth-based satellite communications is possible after transmitting data from standard Bluetooth devices to its new satellite constellation, launched in March. The firm, with a $20 million funding round behind it, reckons it will extend Bluetooth transmissions from 10 meters to hundreds of kilometers. It wants to “connect a billion devices” on the “world’s first truly global, cost-efficient, and low-power network,” the company said in a press release.
“We’ve disproved thousands of skeptics,” claims Hubble Network co-founder and chief executive officer Alex Haro of his company’s milestone achievement. “By showcasing that we can send signals directly from Bluetooth chips and receive them in space 600km [around 370 miles] away, we’ve opened a new realm of possibilities.”
Hubble Network has successfully proven the core concept on which the company was founded: that a Bluetooth connection, typically thought of as exclusively for short-range wireless connectivity, can be made between a device on Earth and an orbiting satellite.
“We’ve disproved thousands of skeptics,” claims Hubble Network co-founder and chief executive officer Alex Haro of his company’s milestone achievement. “By showcasing that we can send signals directly from Bluetooth chips and receive them in space 600km [around 370 miles] away, we’ve opened a new realm of possibilities.”
“Our innovative approach allows existing Bluetooth-enabled devices to be retrofitted to transmit data to the Hubble Network without any hardware modifications,” explains co-founder and chief technology officer, “ushering in a new era of connectivity.”
Two satellites, granted, is a somewhat limited constellation. Following its first successful Earth-to-space Bluetooth link, the company has stated that it will focus on increasing the number of satellites in orbit in order to boost capacity and increase coverage — and has opened a waitlist for those interested in experimenting with its official developer’s kit.
Separately, Life360, a family connection and safety company, has announced a signed non-binding letter of intent with Hubble Network to become the exclusive consumer application of their groundbreaking satellite Bluetooth technology. Through this strategic partnership, Life360 will leverage Hubble’s global satellite infrastructure and Life360’s global network of over 66 million smartphones to introduce “Find with Life360,” a global location-tracking network. Hubble’s breakthrough achievement of connecting Bluetooth devices to a satellite tracking network avoids previous limitations of Bluetooth location-tracking devices. Find with Life360 has the potential to herald a new era in location tracking and surpass the finding network capabilities of Apple and Google.
References:
AT&T deal with AST SpaceMobile to provide wireless service from space
AT&T and satellite network provider AST SpaceMobile are teaming up to provide wireless service from space — a challenge to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which struck a similar deal two years ago with T-Mobile US. AT&T and AST SpaceMobile formalized the partnership following an earlier testing period. They said on Wednesday that their agreement to build a space-based broadband network will run through 2030.
AT&T head of network Chris Sambar will join the AST SpaceMobile board, deepening a relationship that dates back to at least 2018. Sambar said in an interview that his team is confident in AST SpaceMobile’s technology, as demonstrated by the performance of the BlueWalker 3 test satellite. The relationship is moving from “loose partner to a strategic partner,” he said.
Wireless providers are in a race to offer connections for the world’s estimated 5 billion mobile phones when those devices are in remote areas beyond the reach of cell towers. For consumers, these services hold the promise of connectivity along rural roads and in places likes national parks. The service is typically marketed as a supplement to standard wireless coverage.
The new satellite network will work with ordinary mobile phones, offering a level of convenience that’s lacking in current call-via-satellite services, which require the assistance of bulky specialized equipment.
“Space-based direct-to-mobile technology is designed to provide customers connectivity by complementing and integrating with our existing mobile network,” said Jeff McElfresh, Chief Operating Officer, AT&T. “This agreement is the next step in our industry leadership to use emerging satellite technologies to provide services to consumers and in locations where connectivity was not previously feasible.”
“Working together with AT&T has paved the way to unlock the potential of space-based cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones. We are thrilled to solidify our collaboration through this landmark agreement,” said Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile Founder, Chairman, and CEO. “We aim to bring seamless, reliable service to consumers and businesses across the continental U.S., transforming the way people connect and access information.”
AST SpaceMobile this summer will send five satellites to Cape Canaveral, Florida, for launch into low Earth orbit. AT&T’s Sambar didn’t say when service to customers might begin. “This will be a full data service, unlike anything you can get today from a low-Earth orbit constellation,” Sambar said.
T-Mobile is working with the low-Earth orbiting Starlink service from Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. The mobile carrier earlier said that its calling-via-satellite service could begin this year.
SpaceX has roughly 6,000 satellites aloft in low-Earth orbit — far more than any other company. The trajectory, with satellites circling near the Earth’s surface, allows communications signals to travel quickly between spacecraft and a terrestrial user.
SpaceX in January launched its first set of satellites capable of offering mobile phone service. The service “will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth,” Musk said in a post on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, though he added that technical limitations mean “it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.”
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About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
References:
https://about.att.com/story/2024/ast-spacemobile-commercial-agreement.html
AST SpaceMobile: “5G” Connectivity from Space to Everyday Smartphones
AST SpaceMobile achieves 4G LTE download speeds >10 Mbps during test in Hawaii
AST SpaceMobile completes 1st ever LEO satellite voice call using AT&T spectrum and unmodified Samsung and Apple smartphones
AST SpaceMobile Deploys Largest-Ever LEO Satellite Communications Array
An IEEE Communications Resource Designed for Telecom Engineers
by Danielle Novello, IEEE Associate Marketing Manager (edited by Alan J. Weissberger)
IEEE DiscoveryPoint for Communications is a machine-learning-powered, all-in-one platform specifically designed for engineers in the telecommunications industry.
Engineers designing communications products need access to the most up-to-date information—the latest research, lists of parts and components, and technical standards to help ensure that their design will work correctly and integrate seamlessly with other elements in the system. However, tracking down resources across multiple websites can be very time-consuming, the material might not be relevant or the sources could be questionable.
The IEEE DiscoveryPoint for Communications platform aims to solve those problems by providing one-stop access to searchable, curated content from trusted sources on just about any telecommunications topic. The platform library contains:
- More than 1.4 million full-text research documents.
- 14,000 technical standards.
- 7,500 online courses.
- 1,300 ebook titles.
- 18.4 million parts and components data from manufacturers and distributors.
- 1,300 industry and product news sources, blogs, and white papers.
The documents in our library are sourced from reputable publishers, including AT&T, the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, River Publishers, and John Wiley & Sons, Inc, ensuring the highest quality and reliability of the content.
IEEE standards are also included in the library. The IEEE Standards Association has developed more than 900 communications related standards, including the popular IEEE 802.11 WiFi and IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards.
With a single query users can find answers to technical questions by referencing relevant content from multiple high-quality sources, including full-text IEEE publications and standards. IEEE DiscoveryPoint returns only the most applicable information to user search queries and then organizes the results in resource-specific channels, making it easier to browse different content types cohesively. It can also help accelerate project workflow with time-saving tools such as custom dashboards, alerts, saved searches, bookmarks, and collaboration tools to work through projects in less time and avoid duplicative queries.
“There’s nothing on the market right now that fully supports the design engineer’s workflow and delivers all the information needed in one place,” says Mark Barragry, senior product manager for corporate markets at IEEE Global Products and Marketing.
In designing IEEE DiscoveryPoint, Barragry comments, “We reconstructed the work process of a product design engineer and put together a set of resources that meet all the information needs they would have during a standard product-development cycle.” Barragry adds that design engineers who tested the platform before launch said they liked that it came from IEEE, a trusted source.
The subscription-based product’s intuitive search engine saves users time by zeroing in on key concepts related to the topic they’re searching for. To get started, the user types a word, phrase, concept, the name of an author or company, or another term into the search bar. The search engine’s ranking algorithm analyzes the documents’ full text and metadata to find relevant material.
The results are organized into curated channels and categorized by resource types, such as research papers, standards, books, or industry news. For each search result, a machine-learning feature examines the document and generates a short summary of key points highlighted in the document. This solution allows time-strapped engineers to find relevant information more efficiently.
In one testimonial about IEEE DiscoveryPoint, a director of technology development said, “I really appreciated the thought that went into this product. It’s an unmet need for people like me.”
Subscription prices depend on the size of the organization and the number of engineers and technical professionals using it. Contact us to learn more.
References:
https://discoverypoint.ieee.org/
https://innovate.ieee.org/introducing-ieee-discoverypoint-for-communications/
Practical Applications of IEEE DiscoveryPoint for Communications (IDPC)
e& UAE sets new world record with fastest 5G speed of 30.5Gbps
e& UAE network operator today announced registering the world’s fastest recorded speed of 30.5Gbps on its live 5G network, marking a significant milestone in its evolution towards 5G-Advanced. This global achievement was unveiled during a demonstration held at SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2024, showcasing the successful aggregation of multiple carriers across high-band and mid-band spectrums (1600 MHz in mmWave and 300MHz in C-band), with network speeds reaching 30.5Gbps. This achievement underscores e& UAE’s commitment to delivering unparalleled user experiences, ensuring seamless connectivity to meet the increasing demand for a broad spectrum of digital services.
Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& UAE, said, “We are thrilled to announce e& UAE’s achievement of the world’s fastest 5G network speed. With this accomplishment, we are poised to unleash the boundless potential of 5G technology, empowering innovative services and applications that will transform the fabric of society and the economy. “Aligned with the UAE’s ambitious digital agenda, e& UAE’s continuous investment in its network and technologies underscores its commitment to delivering premium digital services. By adopting the latest 5G solutions, we are providing our customers with premium digital experiences today but also paving the way for the 6G era by 2030 in line with the UAE’s recently unveiled 6G Roadmap by TDRA.”
As the demand for advanced network capabilities continues to surge, e& UAE is poised to revolutionize the landscape of connectivity in the UAE. This vision integrates state-of-the-art technologies and innovative services, including network slicing, private 5G network, RedCap, mobile VPN, and premium Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) leased lines, offering a superior experience for consumers, home, and enterprise customers alike. e& UAE has also harnessed the power of AI to deliver seamless and personalized experiences to every customer.
AI technologies will spearhead intelligent energy-saving and smart network planning initiatives, driving environmental responsibility and technological excellence to new heights. This monumental achievement solidifies e& UAE’s position as a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry, reaffirming its dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering connectivity solutions for the digital era.
References:
https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b34rucp-uae-sets-new-world-record-with-fastest-speed
UAE network operator “etisalat by e&” achieves 5G mmWave distance milestone
UAE’s “etisalat by e&” announces first software defined quantum satellite network
du (UAE) deploys Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100 Grandmaster clock for advanced 5G network services
Nokia and du (UAE) complete 5G-Advanced RedCap trial; future of RedCap?
UScellular adds NetCloud from Cradlepoint to its 5G private network offerings; Buyout coming soon?
UScellular has added NetCloud Private Networks from Cradlepoint (part of Ericsson) to expand its portfolio of private cellular solutions. The company now offers Ericsson Private 5G and Ericsson’s Mission Critical Networks to its customers. By building on these capabilities, UScellular is able to support even more customers across varying areas of business.
Some existing private cellular network ecosystems are pulled together piece by piece from different providers, which requires additional training and agreements. This makes it difficult for enterprise IT teams to have seamless visibility across the entire network. NetCloud Private Networks is an end-to-end private cellular network solution that removes these complexities to simplify building and operating 5G private networks.
“With the addition of NetCloud Private Networks to our portfolio, we can better address business challenges for customers of all sizes to connect business, industry and mission critical applications,” said Kim Kerr, senior vice president, enterprise sales and operations for UScellular. “The agility, flexibility and scalability of NetCloud Private Networks helps improve coverage, security, mobility, and reliability for applications where Wi-Fi may not be enough.”
NetCloud Private Networks supports enterprises who need more scalable, reliable and secure connectivity than they are getting today with traditional Wi-Fi solutions. There is significant opportunity in warehouses, logistics facilities, outdoor storage yards, manufacturing and retail operations environments to provide more connectivity. This will alleviate manual work, improve safety, and provide increased visibility.
“UScellular is a leader in this space by showing how a public carrier enhances the value of private network solutions,” said Manish Tiwari, head of private cellular networks, Cradlepoint and Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Networks.
“By adding NetCloud Private Networks to their portfolio of Ericsson private networks solutions, UScellular unlocks new opportunities for organizations to have local network coverage and address their reliability and security challenges. With solutions available to cater to both OT and IT in industrial and business environments, their customers have a choice in adopting the right private network solution for their use-cases with secure, policy-based wireless connectivity at scale.”
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Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that T-Mobile is seeking to buy $2 billion worth of UScellular and take over some operations and wireless spectrum licenses. A deal could be announced this month, according to people familiar with the matter.
Meanwhile, Verizon is considering a deal for some of the rest of the company which is 80% owned by Telephone & Data Systems (TDS). Last year, TDS put the wireless company’s operations up for sale, as it struggled with competition from national wireless telco rivals and cable-broadband providers.
Verizon is the biggest U.S. cellphone carrier by subscribers, while T-Mobile became the second largest soon after it bought rival Sprint. T-Mobile gained more customers this month after it completed its purchase of Mint Mobile, an upstart brand.
The rising value of wireless licenses is a driving force behind the deal. U.S. Cellular’s spectrum portfolio touches 30 states and covers about 51 million people, according to regulatory filings.
U.S. companies have spent more than $100 billion in recent years to secure airwaves to carry high-speed fifth-generation, or 5G, signals and are hunting for more. But the Federal Communications Commission has lacked the legal authority to auction new spectrum for more than a year. The drought has driven up the price of spectrum licenses at companies that already hold them.
The U.S. wireless business has also matured: Carriers have sold a smartphone subscription to most adults and many children, which leaves less room for expansion as the country’s population growth slows. AT&T and Verizon have meanwhile retreated from expensive bets on the media business to focus on their core cellphone and home-internet customers.
A once-crowded field of small, midsize and nationwide cellphone carriers in the U.S. is now split among Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, leaving few players left to take over. As one of the last pieces left on the board, U.S. Cellular has long been an attractive takeover target. For many years, the home of the Chicago White Sox has been UScellular field.
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About UScellular:
UScellular offers wireless service to more than four million mostly rural customers across 21 states from Oregon to North Carolina. It also owns more than 4,000 cellular towers that weren’t part of the latest sale talks. The company has a market value of about $3 billion.
UScellular provides a range of solutions from public/private hybrid networks, MVNO models, localized data (aka CUPS) and custom VPN approaches. Private 5G offers unparalleled reliability, security and speed, enabling seamless communication and automation. For more information:
https://business.uscellular.com/products/private-cellular-networks/
References:
https://www.wsj.com/business/telecom/t-mobile-verizon-in-talks-to-carve-up-u-s-cellular-46d1e5e6
Betacom and UScellular Introduce 1st Private/Public Hybrid 5G Network
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
This 3GPP May 8-10,2024 workshop held in Rotterdam, Nederlands brought the 3GPP community closer to the initiatives of regional and global research organizations, market partners (MRPs), operators’ associations and the ITU.
The workshop presented the opportunity for different communities to share their views on 6G/IMT2030 Use Cases. Those communities are Operators; Verticals; Regional Alliances and ITU.
The workshop was co-chaired by Mr. Jose Almodovar, SA1 Chair, and by Mr. Puneet Jain, SA Chair. It was supported by ETSI MCC, coordinated by Mr. Alain Sultan.
3GPP WG SA1 now has the task to define the 6G stage 1 requirements to be met by future 3GPP specifications.
Among the more important sessions were:
Day 1: Opening, Operators, Verticals
Speakers: Puneet Jain (Intel), SA Chair and Jose Almodovar (TNO), SA1 Chair
Operators:
- GSMA – GSMA Proposal on 6G – Speaker: Barbara Pareglio (GSMA)
- NGMN – NGMN’s 6G Vision – Speakers: Sparsh Singhal & Quan Zhao (NGMN)
Panel#1: “6G Drivers for Operators”
Panel#2 : “6G Drivers for Verticals”
Potential Drivers for 6G include:
•Security. Used in different contexts, both about network security and user data confidentiality (interesting to note that 5G Security is not widely deployed. It requires a 5G SA network few of which are commercially available).
• Maintaining continuity of service and robust security, especially crucial in times of crisis
• Identify all relevant new threat-factors for 6G, and develop mitigation solution (e.g. detection and protection against electromagnetic threats)
• Quantum-safe security mechanisms
• Network-design/performance: network optimization and automation (Intelligent Network management, Network Performance)
• Energy efficiency/saving/ sustainability
• AI-assisted air interface/ Radio Performance
• AI for improving positioning
• Enabling AI at the application level
• AI data management, model distribution for all AI-assisted “smart” areas (cities, industries, surgeries, robot control, manufacturing plant, rescue missions etc.
• AI as a Service (AIaaS)
• To implement a range of media’s personalization and customization (sport TV program, etc)
ITU & 3GPP:
- ITU-R – Update from ITU-R on IMT-2030 – Speaker: Uwe Loewenstein (ITU)
- 3GPP – 3GPP Intro & 6G Planning – Speaker: Puneet Jain (Intel), SA Chair
Panel#4: ITU & 3GPP synergies for 6G
Closing:
Speakers: Puneet Jain (Intel), SA Chair; Jose Almodovar (TNO), SA1 Chair; Alain Sultan (ETSI MCC), SA1 Secretary & 3GPP Work Plan Coordinator
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References:
https://www.3gpp.org/component/content/article/stage1-imt2030-uc-ws?catid=67&Itemid=101
https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/workshop/2024-05-08_3GPP_Stage1_IMT2030_UC_WS/Docs
https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/workshop/2024-05-08_3GPP_Stage1_IMT2030_UC_WS
NGMN issues ITU-R framework for IMT-2030 vs ITU-R WP5D Timeline for RIT/SRIT Standardization
IMT-2030 Technical Performance Requirements (TPR) from ITU-R WP5D
Juniper Research: Global 6G Connections to be 290M in 1st 2 years of service, but network interference problem looms large
Draft new ITU-R recommendation (not yet approved): M.[IMT.FRAMEWORK FOR 2030 AND BEYOND]
New ETSI Reports: 1.] Use cases for THz communications & 2.] Frequency bands of interest in the sub-THz and THz range
SK Telecom, DOCOMO, NTT and Nokia develop 6G AI-native air interface
Ericsson and IIT Kharagpur partner for joint research in AI and 6G
SK Telecom, Intel develop low-latency technology for 6G core network
ETSI Integrated Sensing and Communications ISG targets 6G
IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed for developers, researchers and entrepreneurs
How Network Repository Function Plays a Critical Role in Cloud Native 5G SA Network
NRF (Network Repository Function) facilitates cloud-native 5G networks by enabling dynamic and efficient discovery of peer Network Functions, enhancing scalability.
Ajay Lotan Thakur
Introduction:
DNS (Domain Name Service) has been widely used by networks to discover 3G and 4G Network Functions (NFs). Every time there is a change in the network, this entails adding or updating records in the DNS server. This solution was not cohesive. The 5G Network Repository Function (NRF), which was introduced in the 5G specification, addresses this issue. Every Network Function needs to register its profile with NRF when it’s ready to service the APIs. Every NF type contains unique information in the NF profile. For example, Session Management Function (SMF) might provide the set of Data Network Names (DNN) it serves.
It’s important to note is that SMF may still choose User Plane Function (UPF) using proprietary logic because the UPF interface to NRF is still optional. In this article we shall see various advantages provided by 3GPP’s NRF network function over traditional 3G/4G networks.
Advantages of 5G NRFs:
Using 5G Network Resource Function (NRF) for discovering peer Network Functions (NFs) compared to relying on DNS servers in 4G networks brings several advantages:
- Efficiency in Resource Discovery: NRF offers a more efficient and dynamic way of discovering peer NFs within the network. Unlike DNS servers, which rely on static records and hierarchical lookup mechanisms, NRF enables direct discovery of available NFs, reducing latency and enhancing resource utilization. NRF can search the NFs based on many parameters like load, slice Ids, DNN name etc.
- Enhanced Security: NRF can incorporate security features such as authentication and authorization mechanisms, ensuring that only authorized NFs can be discovered and accessed. This helps in mitigating security threats such as DNS spoofing or cache poisoning, which are concerns in traditional DNS-based architectures.
- Support for Network Slicing: NRF is well-suited for 5G network slicing, where multiple virtualized networks coexist on the same physical infrastructure. It allows for efficient discovery and allocation of NFs specific to each network slice, enabling tailored services and resource optimization.
- Service Orchestration: NRF facilitates service orchestration by providing real-time information about the available NFs and their capabilities. This enables dynamic service composition and adaptation based on changing network conditions and application requirements. NRF can be used to put some of the NFs under maintenance mode as well.
- Low Latency: With NRF, the latency in discovering and connecting to peer NFs is significantly reduced compared to DNS-based approaches. This is crucial for applications requiring real-time communication or low-latency services, such as edge computing or autonomous vehicles. In case NRF is overloaded then it can scale-out to bring down the latency.
- Scalability: NRF architecture is designed to handle the scalability demands of 5G networks, where the number of NF instances and their dynamic nature can be high. It allows for efficient scaling of network resources without relying on centralized DNS servers, which may face scalability challenges under heavy loads. This allows Network Functions to implement dynamic scale in & scale out without touching any DNS servers.
- Dynamic Network Updates: NRF supports dynamic updates of network information, allowing for real-time changes in the availability and status of NF instances. These are NRF notifications supported as per 3gpp specification. In contrast, DNS records may require time to propagate changes across the network, leading to potential inconsistencies or delays in service discovery. Each NF can update its profile as and when it sees changes.
Conclusions:
Overall, leveraging NRF for NF discovery in 5G networks offers improved efficiency, scalability, low latency, security, and support for advanced network functionalities compared to relying solely on DNS servers in 4G networks.
References:
3GPP TS 23.501 – System Architecture for the 5G System
3GPP TS 29.510 – Network Function Repository Services
GSA: More 5G SA devices, but commercial 5G SA deployments lag
Global 5G Market Snapshot; Dell’Oro and GSA Updates on 5G SA networks and devices
Ericsson Mobility Report touts “5G SA opportunities”
Analysys Mason: 40 operational 5G SA networks worldwide; Sub-Sahara Africa dominates new launches
Samsung and VMware Collaborate to Advance 5G SA Core & Telco Cloud
5G SA networks (real 5G) remain conspicuous by their absence
GSM 5G-Market Snapshot Highlights – July 2023 (includes 5G SA status)
About the Author:
Ajay Lotan Thakur, Senior IEEE Member, IEEE Techblog Editorial Board Member, BCS Fellow, TST Member of ONF’s open source Aether (Private 5G) Project, Cloud Software Architect at Intel Canada.
Blog post edited by Alan J Weissberger
GSA: More 5G SA devices, but commercial 5G SA deployments lag
Findings from the latest GSA report on the 5G standalone (SA) ecosystem include:
- 1,764 announced devices with claimed support for 5G SA, up 43.7% from 1,227 at the end of 2022.
- Devices with support for 5G SA account for 68.1% of all 5G devices, as of the end of March 2024, up from 43.3% in December 2019.
- 97 modems or mobile processors/platform chipsets state support for 5G SA, 93 of which are understood to be commercially available.
5G mobile Communications Mast
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Other Estimates of deployed 5G SA core networks:
According to a recent LinkedIn post by Kaneshwaran Govindasamy, at least 49 network 29 have launched or deployed public 5 , one of which has only soft-launched their 5G SA networks.
A February 2024 report from Counterpoint Research in February 2024 states that only 55 operators have commercially implemented 5G SA, with many more in testing and trial stages.
As of January 2024, Dell’Oro Group has identified 50 5G SA enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMMB) networks that have been deployed worldwide. Dell’Oro Group’s Research Director, Dave Bolan, stated that the build-out of 5G SA networks is slower than expected, and that the number of new 5G SA networks deployed in 2023 (12) was lower than in 2022 (18). However, Bolan predicts that 2024 will see more 5G SA launches than 2022, and that 5G SA launches will occur in almost all global markets except Africa.
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It should be noted that there is only one 5G SA network deployed in the U.S. from T-Mobile. AT&T and Verizon have promised 5G SA for years but it’s not commercially deployed by either operator at this time.
5G SA networks support higher-density device deployments and improved network performance. Without a 5G SA network, there are no 3GPP defined 5G features available, such as 5G Security, Network Slicing, MEC, etc.
References:
GSA 5G SA Core Network Update Report – Technology Blog
Building and Operating a Cloud Native 5G SA Core Network
Mobile Core Market Stagnant Due to Lack of 5G Standalone Deployments, According to Dell’Oro Group
https://www.ericsson.com/en/5g/5g-sa
Summit Broadband deploys 400G using Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Extreme
Florida-based fiber optic telecommunications provider Summit Broadband has launched 400G services following a network upgrade with Ciena. Summit Broadband is leveraging Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) [1.] to offer 400 Gbps wavelength services to enterprise customers in Central and Southwest Florida, Ciena said last week.
Summit Broadband owns and operates over 4,300 fiber-route miles of infrastructure and serves industries and communities throughout the state with voice, video, data, internet, and Ethernet services, as well as dark fiber transport.
Note 1. Summit Broadband is deploying Ciena’s WaveLogic Ai coherent optics across a flexible 6500 ROADM network, delivering 400GbE wave services to increase capacity and reach more users. Summit Broadband is also utilizing Ciena’s 3926 and 5164 Routing and Switching platforms for cost effective service delivery, as well as Adaptive IP Apps and Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller for real-time visibility and analysis of routing behaviors to optimize network performance and identify issues with greater ease for faster resolution.
Ciena noted that Summit Broadband has rolled out 400 Gbps wavelength to support the rise in data consumption of high-bandwidth applications such as cloud computing, IoT devices, video streaming, and enterprise services. This upgrade builds on the longstanding relationship between both companies, with Ciena powering Summit’s optical network.
In his first year as CEO, Kevin Coyne has transformed Summit Broadband’s network to create data superhighways encircling the Florida peninsula, serving customers in Central, West, and Southwest Florida. This recent network expansion gives Summit Broadband even greater flexibility and adaptability to respond to the increasing needs of its customers, including school districts and municipalities.
“The past year has shown us how having access to high-quality connectivity is a necessity for everyday life,” said Coyne. “We chose to invest in deploying Ciena’s cutting edge solutions to bring an enhanced digital experience across Florida, connecting more people and businesses using higher speeds and lower latency services.”
“The demand for bandwidth shows no signs of slowing down, and our new 400 Gbps service ensures that our business customers have the high performance and scalability essential for applications like data center interconnect, which require fast speeds and low latency.”
Additionally, the upgrade will allow Summit to deliver more data per unit of energy over our existing infrastructure, maximizing network utilisation and providing capex and opex savings, Summit Broadband added.
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In January, BW Digital, the owner of the Hawaiki Submarine Cable, confirmed the availability of commercial 400 GbE services on the Hawaiki trans-Pacific cable, powered by Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme subsea network solution.
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