04/26/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 09:08
In part I of this series, we discussed traditional broadband network architectures and their limitations. In part II, we discussed details on the evolution of broadband networks, using a distributed architecture with a centralized control plane, designed to address the challenges associated with traditional broadband networks. In this final blog, we will focus on the Cisco solution with Subscriber Edge.
The Control and User Plane Separation Broadband Network Gateway (CUPS BNG) solution from Cisco terminates residential broadband subscribers, is aligned with TR-459, and called Cisco Subscriber Edge or cloud-native BNG (cnBNG), because cloud-native technology is used to host control plane functions.
Given the critical need for resiliency in the control plane, which is tasked with terminating millions of subscriber sessions over hundreds of distributed user planes, Cisco's subscriber edge control plane has been developed as a cloud-native application from the ground up using Go programming language to ensure superior reliability.
As part of the evolution to cloud-native network functions, the Cisco Subscriber Edge control plane architecture is decomposed into multiple microservices and deployed as containers that can be independently scaled, upgraded, and deployed according to requirements (see Figure 1 on cloud-native tenets used for the control plane architecture).
[Link]Figure 1. Cisco control plane tenetsThe decomposition of control functions into multiple independent stateless microservices allows better resiliency. It also enables hitless upgrade of the control plane, independent patching of problem or failed containers, and limited rollout of features or software changes with no widespread functional impact. These microservices are deployed using the same infrastructure as Ultra 5G Packet Core, which hosts the 5G Packet Core Functions as containers, and can be easily extended to run on third-party container-as-a-service (CaaS) platforms.
Cisco Subscriber Edge architecture (see Figure 2) is aligned with Broadband Forum TR-459 . In this architecture, the control plane is cloud-native with choices of hardware and software user planes based on the IOS XR network operating system (NOS).
[Link]Figure 2. Cisco Subscriber Edge architectureThe Cisco Subscriber Edge architecture provides numerous technical advantages and benefits, positioning CSPs to effectively broaden their networks in alignment with the changing demands of the market. These advantages are distinctive to the Cisco architecture and complement the benefits already inherent in the CUPS framework. The additional benefits include:
The Cisco Subscriber Edge solution, aligned to Broadband Forum TR-459 standard, marks a significant advancement in broadband network gateway technology. With the cloud-native control plane, CSPs can efficiently manage the demands of millions of subscriber sessions across a vast array of distributed user planes deployed at different layers in the network.
The Cisco solution can help CSPs adapt to evolving broadband and traffic requirements, expand their networks effectively, and leverage unique solution advantages which complement benefits inherent in the CUPS framework.
For BNG engineers, the Cisco architecture simplifies operations and increases efficiency through the Ops Center function and Cisco Crosswork automation capabilities.
Network operators can benefit from a fortified solution using a layered architecture that protects both the control plane and user plane from various malfunctions and outages, including site failures and data center outages. Other operational benefits include easier integration with standards-based alignment, and simplified monitoring of key BNG performance indicators using the embedded Grafana dashboard for a customizable and comprehensive view of performance metrics without extra costs.
Cisco's commitment to innovation and the cloud-native approach empowers network operators to build a brighter future for broadband networks. Reducing costs, simplifying networks, and enabling high-quality services can help make the internet more affordable and ubiquitous with better end-user experiences for all.