Becoming America’s first cloud-native 5G network is a bold move by DISH Wireless and it will pay off for consumers with a faster, more flexible network. Combining its cloud-native approach with its containerization features will allow DISH Wireless the ability to create scalable applications and environments within its network. 5G is ready to position many of its favorite features on the cloud and the cloud is helping DISH Wireless build a better 5G network.
Cloud-native networks are defined by many things but the basis is that your 5G network will exist using cloud computing to host a large degree of applications. Through containerization, each function, or microservice, can operate in its realm while assisting the others. This means that vendors and carriers can offer flexible solutions and organize different pieces of the network accordingly. It will also help DISH Wireless achieve faster speeds than going a more traditional route.
Using containerization, which compartmentalizes particular sets of code and functions, with cloud-native networks means that DISH Wireless is achieving more functionality with less effort using less power. Isolating processes within its network will present benefits for both DISH Wireless and consumers alike. Let’s explore more about what defines the nature of cloud-native 5G networks and understand how they will assist consumers across many industries.
Cloud-Native Defined: Understanding Twelve-Factor Application
Exploring the world of cloud computing doesn’t have to be a complicated task. When we examine the way DISH Wireless is using a cloud-native approach, we can see that there are specific features that set the standard for a cloud-native network to exist. The cloud has come a long way and is continuing to grow, and in modern application, twelve factors contribute to defining a cloud-native application. Learn more about this method below:
| Factor | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Code Base | The base of code is used for each application and microservice that is within defined containers. Using version control, a system that keeps a record of changes for a specific code, you can track the code base and deploy it throughout various applications. |
| Dependencies | Required for code to operate correctly, in cloud-native networks, dependencies can change within a microservice without disrupting the others. |
| Configurations | Rather than keep network configurations within, they are moved from the microservice using a configuration management tool and can be reproduced in different areas if necessary. |
| Backing Services | The services necessary to operate applications are accessible externally in the configuration. |
| Build, Release, Run | Definitive stages with tests that are surpassed to move forward. Each stage can also be rolled back with ease, is individualistic unto itself, and comes with a unique method (ID) for tracking. |
| Processes | Each application can run its necessary processes independently and does not share data with the others. |
| Port Binding | When an application uses port binding, the arrangement of how messages are sent and received messages, it should remain contained and isolated from others. |
| Concurrency | Applications that are scalable throughout various processes within the network. |
| Disposability | The network should not receive major issues should an application fail. Applications on a cloud-native network should not be the main support and if one is down your network should be able to support itself while easily shutting down and/or restarting a particular app. |
| Dev/Prod Parity | DISH Wireless will maintain identical environments across its network’s lifecycle including development, staging, and production. |
| Logging | The network can track events that occur within it while keeping logs from other functions to eliminate unnecessary storage. |
| Admin Processes | One-off, repeatable tasks that can be executed within the network to keep things running smoothly. |
On the surface, these concepts can seem a bit complex, but the focus of DISH Wireless is clear. Using a cloud-native model for DISH’s 5G network will enable DISH Wireless to provide customers with more options, a smoother experience, and innovative functions that come from a collection of different experts.
DISH Wireless is Collaborating to Bring Cloud-Native Abilities to Life
Delivering a cloud-native 5G network is going to require a team effort from a variety of partnerships. DISH Wireless is collaborating with some of the industry’s leading vendors to bring consumers a better 5G experience. Take a look at some of the innovative companies working to bring cloud-native capabilities to DISH’s 5G network:
- Altiostar– a software company offering cloud-centric solutions for DISH Wireless. Its software is also O-RAN compliant and is bringing its experience from helping Rakuten deploy its very own 5G network in Japan.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)– made the world stop and take notice as DISH Wireless announced its partnership with the company to deliver cloud-native 5G to Las Vegas, Nevada. The move signaled the first of its kind in wireless and will provide unparalleled scalability through cloud computing in 5G.
- Mavenir– in a similar fashion, Mavenir will bring its O-RAN compliant software to DISH Wireless to increase its flexibility and scalability leading to a greater range of functions.
- Nokia– having also helped Rakuten in Japan, Nokia is a leader in providing wireless networks with the solutions they need. Using O-RAN compliant 5G standalone (SA) core, Nokia is bringing a container model to better support its cloud-native solutions.
- VMware– cloud-native and container-based solutions continue to pour in for DISH Wireless with VMware at the core of its cloud capabilities. This California-based software company will help empower DISH’s network in terms of network slicing, edge computing, and custom solutions for its subscribers.
As partnerships and capabilities continue to expand, DISH Wireless is bringing together similar technologies to create a smoother experience. The future of DISH Wireless is likely to add to this astounding core of vendors as its network is being created with collaboration as a cornerstone.
How a Cloud-Native Infrastructure is Helping 5G Grow
As is the case with many emerging technologies, it can be difficult to see the full potential of a cloud-native 5G network in the beginning. The main reason is a combination of two factors:
- For 5G to reach its full potential in terms of download speeds, Americans will need thousands upon thousands of 5G sites ready to deliver mmWave spectrum to their devices. mmWave is the highest band of 5G spectrum with the fastest download speeds but it cannot travel very far nor can it penetrate walls. Solutions such as privatized fixed wireless and great network build-outs will boost 5G’s reach.
- Cloud-native technology requires 4G LTE to support it as do most emerging 5G networks.
The reason DISH Wireless is positioned better than its competition is that these major obstacles are already being overcome through its build-out:
- By building its 5G network on a 5G core as opposed to using 4G LTE and transitioning, a cloud-native approach is capable of reaching true 5G speeds.
- DISH Wireless is also dedicating a concerted focus on its fixed wireless network options and will look to provide both commercial and residential solutions to customers throughout the country.
Combining its cloud-native approach with DISH’s versatile spectrum delivery, users will get more out of 5G from the very start. There are still likely improvements that will be added as the network grows and expands but DISH is setting itself up to deliver a more comprehensive 5G experience than any other major carrier in America. To learn more about DISH Wireless’ versatile spectrum and the differences between the three tiers of 5G, take a look at our accompanying article here.
