5G is likely to make Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) a reality as standards groups and operators speed up their efforts for developing a common 5G converged core network. The 3GPP, which is accountable for 5G standards, has recently received recommendations from the Broadband Forum regarding common interfaces between 5G core networks and access networks that could support wireless as well as wireline access.
The efforts for FMC were stated some 2 years back by some of the world’s biggest operators who participate in 3GPP as well as the Broadband Forum. The list included leading operators such as Telstra and Deutsche Telekom.
Operators, who own both wireless as well as fixed network assets, were concerned about 5G not being developed in a manner that would help them work efficiently as well as deliver common services across any access network.
For the last couple of years, the Broadband Forum as well as 3GPP have been working hand-in-hand to clarify and elaborate recommendations delivered by the ten operators.
It is being expected that the recommendations regarding converged core network will be included in the upcoming set of 5G standards, i.e. Release 16 likely to be rolled out by the fall of this year.
The Broadband Forum’s recommendations included signaling enhancements and modifications to facilitate complete integration of wireless network access in the 5G core.
In this regard, 3GPP Core Networks and Terminals Group Chair, Georg Mayer said that the proposal from Broadband Forum will help us in developing a common 5G core network as well as a truly access agnostic to facilitate seamless service and user mobility between non-3GPP and 3GPP access.
Along with the core recommendations delivered by the operators to the 3GPP, the Broadband Forum is also making efforts to develop specifications for a 5G-capable Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), 5G Access Gateway Function (AGF), and further specifications to facilitate interworking between the existing wireline access subscribers and the 5G core.
The CMO of Broadband Forum, Geoff Burke revealed that 2 years back, the world’s 10 leading operators approached them with their concerns regarding the development of upcoming 5G infrastructure that would not permit them to use both their wireline as well as wireless networks.
The 3GPP now has specific requirements which will not just help operators roll out innovative combined subscriber services but will also address how the operators can leverage 5G core to support the wireline networks.
What’s next?
3GPP members will now be able to flesh out the recommendations delivered by the Broadband Forum along with the interfaces between the 5G core and wired access network. The idea is to develop a converged network wherein services can be provided over any access network, be it a 3GPP-based access (like 4G LTE or 5G New Radio), Wi-Fi, Fixed-line, or Bluetooth.
The 3GPP and Broadband forum are now planning to work in tandem for rolling out Release 16 publication and will work in unison until the deployment of 5G networks. In addition, the Broadband Forum is working on to develop 5G design requirements.