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Nephio Transport Network [DRAFT!]

Nephio Transport Network [DRAFT!]

Owned by Yevhen Zhukov
Jan 28, 2025
2 min read

1. Introduction (Background)

5G networks bring higher demands on transport networks, which connect Base Stations (RAN) to the Core Network. These networks must not only deliver high performance but also be flexible enough to support scenarios such as private networks (Private 5G) and leasing bandwidth to third-party companies. Nephio Transport Network is an open-source initiative aimed at automating the management of transport networks using declarative approaches.

2. Problem Statement

Traditional transport network management relies heavily on manual configuration of network elements, leading to errors, increased downtime, and higher resource requirements. Key challenges include:

  • Limited Scalability: Configuring a large number of network elements is resource-intensive.

  • Unreliable SLA Management: Guaranteeing SLAs (e.g., 99.999%) is difficult without automation.

  • Integration Challenges: Current solutions struggle to integrate with cloud-native and containerized platforms.

3. Solution

Nephio Transport Network offers:

  1. Declarative Management: Enables operators to define the desired network state, with the system automatically achieving it.

  2. Integration with SDN: Leverages SDN solutions to dynamically manage routing and traffic.

  3. API for Automation: Develops a Transport API for seamless integration with other components of 5G networks.

4. Technical Implementation (Technical Details)

  • Architecture:
    The Transport Network consists of multiple network elements connected in a cloud-like structure. The core of the architecture is an SDN controller integrated with Nephio’s management system.

  • Functionality:

    • SLA management and monitoring.

    • Automated traffic recovery during failures (Disaster Recovery).

    • Interfaces for configuration and billing.

  • Technologies:

    • Kubernetes for resource orchestration.

    • SDN solutions such as OpenFlow and Segment Routing.

5. Benefits

  • Improved Scalability: Simplified deployment of networks at any scale.

  • Resource Efficiency: Reduced time spent on configuration and management.

  • Reliability: Rapid recovery during outages.

  • Flexibility: Adaptability to new use cases and business models.

6. Conclusion

Nephio Transport Network represents a significant step forward in transport network management, offering new opportunities for operators, startups, and developers. Built on modern technologies, it is ready to redefine how transport networks are managed in the era of 5G.

7. Call to Action

Join the Nephio Transport Network project to contribute to building the transport networks of the future. Whether it’s contributing code, testing the solution, or proposing new ideas, your participation can make a difference. Together, we can make 5G networks more efficient and accessible!