Chen Yunqing: Future network development represented by cloud-network integration + 5G will be a long-term task

At the theme forum "Future Network Technology Development and Transformation" of the 5th Future Network Development Conference, Chen Yunqing, deputy director of China Telecom Research Institute, shared with everyone "Thoughts and Explorations on Independent Innovation and Open Cooperation Driven by Cloud-Network Integration".

With the development of the entire industry and the integration of CT and IT, cloud is an indispensable prerequisite.

[[406398]]

Cloud-network integration is a process of cloud-network linkage. The network is the foundation. First of all, the network must be well built to construct a network that is suitable for the future Internet of Everything. At the same time, cloud should be the core, and IT technology should be integrated into the network, so that virtualization, cloudification, containerization, and service-oriented technologies can be integrated into the entire cloud and network process. On this basis, the network can move with the cloud, and then evolve to a cloud-network integration mode. The long-term evolution route of cloud-network integration must be able to achieve the core elements of simplicity, agility, openness, integration, security, and intelligence, and realize integrated resource supply, integrated operation, and integrated services. This is also an evolution route of China Telecom's long-term strategy for cloud-network integration.

With cloud-network integration as the main line of implementation, the layout of the digital platform is carried out. In the specific implementation, the realization of the digital platform is an important symbol of the results of cloud-network integration. In other words, whether the cloud-network integration is done well or not will ultimately be reflected in the creation of the digital platform foundation, specifically, it is necessary to create three middle platforms, an atomic capability platform and a base. The base is the existing network capabilities and cloud resource capabilities; the middle platform mainly refers to the business middle platform, data middle platform and security middle platform.

The new generation of cloud network operation system is the key core component of the entire digital platform. It adopts cloud architecture, breaks the chimney model of professional network management, connects B, O and network, comprehensively improves the efficiency of cloud network integrated operation, and realizes the digitization of cloud network resources, cloud network capabilities and operation processes. It provides a better one-click short-time activation experience for the outside world, and uniformly dispatches cloud resources and network resources internally to improve operation efficiency.

Improve automatic activation capabilities through the cloud network service orchestration system. Cloud network integration services initially have automatic activation capabilities, with a one-time activation success rate of 80% and a timely activation rate of 80% for dual-line services.

The independently developed cloud network service orchestration system supports the one-click activation of major cloud network products through the new generation of service orchestration center, and realizes the automated activation and self-service of cloud network integrated products.

Independent innovation with cloud-network integration as the main line and 5G as the starting point. The new STN-A equipment, lightweight UPF, and MEC products developed by us are aimed at the flexible customization of edge functions in cloud-network integration scenarios, creating differentiated services for 5G customized networks, actively promoting the implementation of cloud-network integration strategies, and building new information infrastructure.

China Telecom's C3NOS network element operating system is based on the open source SONiC platform architecture. It develops a commercial-oriented network element operating system (C3NOS) to create an independently controlled cloud-based network element development platform. It has been applied to new network edge and access products such as UPF and STN-A.

C3NOS has important features such as rapid customization of network element functions, software and hardware decoupling, and containerized components. It supports three types of forwarding planes: general-purpose servers, dedicated ASICs, and hardware acceleration. It provides a basic development environment and continuous product iteration capabilities for various network edge products.

Independently develop MEC to build 5G core capabilities. With the MEC platform as the core, it connects to the network downward and attracts applications upward to meet customers' edge customization needs for connection, computing, capabilities, and services.

Building a "new generation of digital infrastructure of 5G+cloud+edge" must rely on corresponding solutions. Based on cloud-network integration, accelerate the cloud-network integration strategy, build a new generation of digital infrastructure, and provide more agile cloud-network integrated services; give full play to the unique advantages of 5G customized networks, combine new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, and tailor differentiated services for government and enterprise customers, focusing on ten major areas such as industry and medical care; "5G+cloud+edge" as a new generation of information technology integration platform, adhere to the open cooperation of cloud-network infrastructure, and build a new industry ecology of 5G+cloud-network integration.

Chen Yunqing believes that the network has three major evolution trends: data-centric integration, intelligent flexibility, and trusted security. In addition, when it comes to future network evolution, three dimensions must be considered: first, how to integrate with data and how to drive network evolution with the help of data elements; second, how to inject trusted factors into the network; and third, how to make the network intelligent and simple when facing customers.

Finally, Chen Yunqing said that the future network development represented by cloud-network integration + 5G will be a long-term task that requires continuous scientific and technological research and joint efforts from the industry.