Best Practice

A Telco-based Platform (from Telco to Technology hub)

Telcos can re-build entire technology foundations to find one software-based platform able to manage the whole technology stack, from Network Access to Front-End channels.

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The need for re-building technology foundations

Telecommunication Operators are facing a challenging time: investments vs revenue trends and competition from Hyperscales Virtual players are eroding EBITDA, while legacy and complex production platforms do not allow for an agile and flexible answer to digitizing customer demand. For several years now, while Hyperscalers have been progressively entering and winning in the traditional Telcos space thanks to Business Models founded on distinctive technology capabilities, Telco operators have injected massive investments into legacy assets, but without rebuilding their technology foundations, and as a result have not been able to replicate Hyperscalers.

In this scenario, it is mandatory for the Operators to re-build their technology foundations, starting from a distinctive asset that only the Network-based Telcos have: the Network Access layer.

The Network Access Layer can be transformed into a distributed, Cloud-native and Multi-access Edge Platform, which can represent the unique base upon which the entire stack is rebuilt, through to the Front-End channels.

The keys: Network Disaggregation to transform the Access Layer, and must-follow design principles for the above layers

To achieve Network Access Layer transformation, the key technology to exploit is Network Disaggregation. This technology disaggregates proprietary vertical equipment into decoupled, general-purpose hardware and software, reproducing the relevant Network Functions: everything is managed by standard IT Automation tools. “Disaggregated Networking” leverages the principles of IT hyperscalers to deploy, operate, and support networks as a cloud-native infrastructure.
Thanks to the Disaggregation Technology the Network Access Layer can become an Open SW Module of the E2E Platform, and can be therefore managed through Cloud-like techniques and processes.

The transformation of the above layer shall follow specific design principles allowing the entire new Technology Platform to benefit from the fully softwarized Access Layer and new Technologies (e.g. 5G, 6G) at the Edge:

  • Micro-Service-based architecture

  • SW-Based Infrastructure

  • Pricing & Quotation Catalogue driven architecture

  • Real-Time Billing solution

All these principles and related solutions will be deployed in a Platform where Openness and Interoperability will be must-have enablers, and where Operators will be leading the technology agenda.

The new technology platform will transform traditional Telcos into Platform-Based operators, and give them the chance to re-shape their future

In order to ensure growth and success, Telcos must reconstruct the technology foundations around their distinctive asset – the Network Access Layer – transforming it into an Edge Cloud-native and Multi-access platform that, thanks to the capillary Edge presence in that territory, will provide a lasting competitive advantage for direct non-network-based peers and Hyperscalers.

The transformed Network Access together with the above layers that are rebuilt and transformed according to the defined design principles, will provide different advantages to Telco operators.

Extension and evolution beyond the traditional Telco space of the Service Pool thanks to use cases becoming dynamic and intelligent

Service pool differentiation towards competitors and hyperscalers/ OTTs

Mimicking the highly automated, efficient, open and flexible production model of hyperscalers

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Significant improvement in technology performance (e.g. TTM) and Opex & Capex profile

Why Reply?

The disaggregation and softwarization of the Telco Network technology is a paradigm shift requiring a cultural, methodological and technological transformation at the base of the re-construction of the E2E  technology stack. This journey demands the ability to interface and interconnect the Traditional Telco landscape with Innovative Cloud-centric software technologies. Reply has a deep understanding of both Traditional Telco landscape (e.g. access network, backhaul and transport, SDWAN, OSS, BSS, Product & Service catalogue, BPM, Rating & Billing, advanced Testing) and disaggregated technologies (e.g. Fixed Access Voltha and SEBA solutions, “RAN-to-ORAN” “methodological framework”), that together with broad Agile, DevOps and CI/CD experience in softwarized networks and infrastructure, as well as the distinctive multivendor troubleshooting capabilities (gained from multiple disaggregation projects), have been the key pillars for successfully supporting the Industry forerunner Operators deploying (through to production) the Disaggregation Technology for both Mobile and Fixed Networks, as well as OSS and BSS transformations.

Our DNA is to support our clients in turning innovation to live. We help our customers in understanding, designing and deploying innovative solutions based on new technologies (such as 5G, 6G) while, at the  same time, building the Client’s internal skills and capabilities required for an internally sustainable journey.