How 5G will impact data centers and how to prepare

New 5G networks are increasing connectivity between IoT devices, people and services. Data center operators must transform quickly — from containers and virtual servers to cloud services and edge computing — or risk being left behind.

Data centers should plan to upgrade existing infrastructure, design new architectural approaches to handle hyperlocal edge data centers, and learn how to incorporate automation for seamless 5G network management.

What is 5G?

Wireless 5G is the latest mobile network technology for cellular networks. It is designed to connect everyone and everything – machines, objects, devices, people and systems – wherever they are. 5G networks offer higher peak data speeds, lower latency, higher reliability, increased network capacity and improved availability.

5G uses virtualization and software-driven architecture to simplify mobility. Mobile users and devices can stay connected as they move between connections without having to reauthenticate or change any settings. This makes technologies such as self-driving cars, virtual reality, or massive IoT possible.

5G networks also provide better geographic coverage and can improve connectivity in underserved areas without adequate broadband connections or in dense urban areas where demand exceeds current capacity. They support dense, distributed access architectures and help move data processing closer to the edge.

How 5G networks work

5G technology encompasses multiple parts of the network architecture. However, in general, there are two main components of a 5G network: the radio access layer and the core network layer. How they are deployed depends on the 5G network and the underlying architecture.

The Radio Access Network (RAN) includes 5G small cells and macro cells to which individual devices connect, such as base stations, routers, smartphones, or self-driving cars. Clusters of small cells use high-speed, high-band spectrum that can only travel short distances. Small cells are typically short-range wireless base stations that handle residential and enterprise applications and extend coverage for cellular. Depending on their configuration and deployment, they can alleviate network congestion, increase data throughput, and expand network coverage.

Macro cells use multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas to provide wide-area coverage for devices and small cells. Macro cells support multiple connections to send and receive large amounts of data simultaneously, so more users can connect at the same time.

The core network contains all the back-end technology and software that manages 5G network data and internet connections, including beamforming, authentication and access control, user scheduling functions, and session management. The coordination of 5G networks requires powerful computing systems and architectures, such as cloud-based systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

How does 5G relate to and impact today’s data centers?

The massive amounts of data that 5G networks must process, store, and distribute will put pressure on data centers. It increases the demand for computing power and related infrastructure, such as storage, connectivity, and edge computing support.

Many data center operators are taking a wait-and-see approach to 5G rollouts. Mike Wolfe, chief technology officer for outdoor wireless networks at CommScope, said in a recent webinar that’s partly because of the flexibility built into existing architectures.

Some network hardware and software have been upgraded to be faster and more efficient, with containerization and virtualization leading the way. These technologies have supported increased 4G usage and can be expanded to handle existing 5G network infrastructure.

5G and the Future of Data Centers

Data center operators should prepare for the growing demand for 5G networks in the future. Cisco reports that by 2023, 5G will support more than 10% of mobile connections worldwide, with an average speed of 575 Mbps. This is 13 times faster than today's average mobile connection.

Data centers can increase their lifecycle upgrade process by replacing simpler network hardware, such as switches and routers, with 5G-enabled hardware. They can investigate the impact of 5G on existing technologies, such as network functions virtualization and software-defined networking, to ensure they can handle the increased workloads.

They should also learn more about the Open RAN standards used by global network operators and major OEM suppliers. Newer, more agile network vendors often use Open RAN standards in their 5G technology, which drives business away from traditional vendors. If data center operators and employees want to remain relevant in the 5G space, they will need to become more familiar with these standards. This includes increasing training and certification for internal employees, as well as hiring external resources with relevant expertise.

The hosting and convergence of 5G architecture and supporting technologies across large-scale and hyper-local data centers is likely to increase to ensure seamless transfer of data, low latency, and frictionless communications.