Nokia Networks is revealing a programmable 5G architecture that overcomes the rigidity of legacy networks. The architecture automatically and dynamically adapts radio access and core network resources to meet the needs of different services, traffic variations over time and location, and network topology, including transport. The quality of customer experiences will be substantially higher, while almost instant response and rock-solid connectivity promise to transform the business processes of industry sectors from manufacturing to automotive and healthcare. Operators will be able to offer network functions to any kind of industry under a Network-as-a-Service business model.

Building a separate system to meet the future requirements and use cases is not an option. The real opportunity is in developing 5G as a system of systems that can meet all requirements and provide a seamless service from the user’s perspective. Nokia’s architecture uses a ‘system of systems’ approach to integrate and align the many different and independent parts of a network to achieve higher performance and more functionality as compared to today’s networks. Nearly all network functions will become software-defined, cognitive technologies will automatically orchestrate the network, and content and processing will be distributed across the network close to where they are needed.

Although 5G standardization has not started yet, this holistic concept provides a clear view on what the future 5G architecture needs to be. Many of the components are already up and running.