The words “open source” and “open interface” may not come to mind as you stream six hours of your favorite show on your smartphone while waiting for your flight. They may not be the first thought of anyone asking their personal assistant device what the weather will be like nor is it likely that these thoughts are considered when traveling in a self-driven automobile. For many, these concepts don’t pop up in our heads, and yet, they are a driving force in taking things such as our entertainment, travel, and quality of life to the next level. DISH Wireless is taking full advantage by implementing them into its 5G network.
As part of the O-RAN Alliance, DISH Wireless we find evidence of the organization’s two core principles throughout the various frameworks of its 5G network: openness and intelligence. Building a 5G network using software and hardware that takes advantage of being open source and open interface allows DISH Wireless and its vendors greater reach, flexibility, lower costs, and a better overall platform to collaborate.
But what will an open source network do? How does an open interface help wireless users gain faster speeds? Let’s examine how DISH Wireless is improving the way users experience a wireless network using collaboration as a cornerstone.
What is an Open Source 5G Network?
Open source software breaks the need for costly computing functions and provides companies with free access to the software needed to complete technical functions. There is still a requirement to purchase licensing and there may be a cost associated with the hardware, but again, as a member of the O-RAN Alliance, DISH Wireless has access to some of the top wireless companies and vendors all working together to advance the capabilities of 5G.
An open interface allows different brands to connect via hardware. This is important because it allows multiple companies to work on wireless solutions and provides a way for each company to work together instead of worrying about configuration. It also lowers costs because there are fewer hurdles in production and expedites the process to make market solutions market-ready in less time.
These two features are key as DISH Wireless is using a software-based approach in its infrastructure to allow virtualization with ease. As the first cloud-native standalone (SA) 5G network in America, DISH Wireless is positioning itself as an industry leader. Using this approach will provide better solutions at a faster rate for DISH Wireless subscribers around the country.
DISH Wireless and its Vendors are Making More Possible
The network solutions users will benefit from are a team effort between DISH Wireless and various vendors working to make these solutions possible. DISH Wireless is not only looking to provide the best 5G service it can to millions of Americans through their smartphones and personal devices but is also seizing the opportunity to supply commercial entities with fixed wireless solutions as well as hard-to-reach markets with viable Internet options.
One of the core vendors helping DISH Wireless achieve this and more is Mavenir, a cloud-native software company hailing from Richardson, Texas. You can see here in this white paper that the company has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with open source software and is bringing its software and expertise as a resource for building America’s next nationwide 5G network.
There are several vendors working with DISH Wireless and each other and it is because of this open approach that these collaborations are possible. The best part? All of these companies and solutions work together to enhance the other leading to a more enriched experience. The end goal is to provide a better 5G network and better network solutions to users subscribed to DISH Wireless. Matrixx Software is another vendor at the heart of one of the more revolutionary components being brought to life known as network slicing thanks to DISH Wireless’ open approach. Below, we will explore this concept and others as we see the many benefits users can expect from DISH Wireless using an open approach.
The Benefits of Working on an Open Source 5G Network
Users can expect to see greater network improvements in a shorter time frame thanks to open source software and open interface hardware. There are a variety of benefits and features that DISH Wireless is bringing customers. Let’s begin with where we left off, network slicing.
Network slicing will be an amazing feature for both commercial and consumer markets. The idea here is that end-to-end networks will be sold for specific uses and optimized to create custom network solutions. Using Matrixx Software, DISH Wireless is offering parts of its networks to entities in need of spectrum using a dynamic pricing model that allows for real-time market pricing.
This unleashes a completely new realm of what is possible because custom networks will be capable of focusing on providing specific functions rather than sharing traffic with others. Greater flexibility is a key benefit open source software and open interfaces will bring to everyone. Through network slicing, companies that offer interactive experiences whether this is in the food industry or using augmented reality (AR) to navigate a campus or autonomous vehicles driving you around, the network used will be operating for specific functions and providing a better experience.
These solutions and applications will come sooner thanks to the increase in market readiness that open source and an open interface will provide DISH Wireless. The upgrades and maintenance that is needed to run a network are important to keep so many devices and users working in harmony. Open source software allows DISH Wireless to prepare these solutions faster for its users.
A 5G network that is software based will work wonders for network capabilities but can pose a security threat. Cybersecurity is an important thing to monitor and DISH Wireless will be better equipped through an open source approach. Instead of having a set of code that is only seen by a particular company and is instead seen by multiple industry professionals leads to finding lapses in security quicker and cheaper. Having more eyes on code results in better security for everyone.
Everything we are seeing and what may come in the future of DISH Wireless will be a result of DISH’s open approach. 5G networks are providing power for users to accomplish things once only seen in movies and our dreams. As DISH Wireless leads the way, these incredible network possibilities look to become a part of our lives sooner and safer than other methods allow.
