5G deployments require operators to densify their networks and install many new cell site routers. Disaggregated cell site gateways (DCSGs) have emerged as an open and attractive alternative to the monolithic closed gateways. DCSG enables 5G operators to avoid vendor lock-in, increase their flexibility and reduce their costs.
Full video transcript:
Hi. I’m Dani Kiryati, and today we’re going to take a closer look at one of the hot topics for mobile operators – disaggregated cell site gateways, or DCSGs.
In 3G and 4G networks, some cell sites have included layer-3 gateways, also called routers, while many more cell sites have continued to rely on layer-2 switching.
Until recently, cell site gateways have typically been offered as monolithic solutions by a few large vendors. These closed systems combine proprietary hardware and software, thereby decreasing mobile operators’ flexibility and increasing their CAPEX.
Now, 5G is a different story. Since 5G services require more cell sites, high capacity backhaul traffic and 10Gbps interfaces, operators need to upgrade their existing gateways and install many more gateways – both at new cell sites and to replace existing layer-2 switches.
For that, disaggregated cell site gateways have emerged as an attractive alternative to closed gateways. (check our webinar about radio-aware DCSG)
DCSG is an open architecture that decouples the hardware and software elements of cell site gateways.
DCSGs are made up of three main components:
- Open white-box hardware;
- Network operating system, or NOS, software;
- And add-on software applications
Multiple vendors are now building white-box hardware platforms as a basis for disaggregated cell site gateways.
By deploying DCSGs, network operators are reducing their costs, enhancing their flexibility, and improving network scalability.
DCSGs enable 5G operators to avoid vendor lock-in and select between ever more hardware and software options for varying scenarios.
Demand for DCSGs is growing strongly with the worldwide expansion and densification of 5G networks.
According to global research firm Omdia, DCSGs already accounted for around 10% of all new CSGs in 2021, and are expected to grow rapidly to some 25% in 2024.
The move toward DCSGs is supported by several industry bodies, including the Telecom Infra Project, or TIP. TIP’s Open Optical & Packet Transport group has defined a technical specification for DCSGs, as agreed by a group of leading mobile operators and vendors.
In conclusion, along with the growth of 5G deployments worldwide, disaggregated cell site gateways are growing in importance.
At the industry forefront, Ceragon recently introduced the IP-50FX, the industry’s first radio-aware DCSG.
We invite you to visit our website and contact us to learn more about the unique IP-50FX.
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