Introduction of 5G services marks a major technological shift in both private and public sectors. The modern solutions give us access to ultra-low latency networking, fast download speeds, and connectivity for numerous devices. 

The reason why we can now enjoy all these benefits lies in 5G architecture. Instead of the old, monolithic infrastructures, modern networks are much more flexible and suitable for different use cases. The best example of that is Titan.ium's 5G core solution, which is now used by numerous global businesses.

Through containerization and microservices, in particular, we’re able to scale our operations and hasten deployment. These modern networks are also vital for various IoT devices, robots, autonomous vehicles, and other advanced machines.

What Is Containerization?

Containerization is a method of packaging software to ensure it works properly in different environments. It ensures your apps work the same whether you’re using them on cloud servers, laptops, or smartphones.

Containers are basically sealed boxes that include different software tools. Given that your code, libraries, and settings are in the same place, you don’t need a host system for these resources. Software completely becomes independent from the machine you’re using, allowing you to easily switch between different devices.

The best thing about these containers is that they utilize a small quantity of computer resources. Their compatibility is essential for businesses, as it allows teams to simplify their processes, regardless of their location and hardware. Each container is independent, which reduces the damage caused by potential security breaches. 

What Are Microservices?

Microservices is a method of developing software by splitting it into smaller pieces. Instead of creating a large platform with numerous functions, IT experts develop numerous small services, each with a particular role. 

For example, one microservice can be responsible for payment, the other for login, and the third for notifications. The best thing about microservices is that they’re completely independent from each other. So, if you wish to make a quick update, it won’t interfere with other processes.

Separate deployment is vital for scaling down or up different features based on the business’s particular needs. Each of these services communicates with the others through API, so there aren’t any errors. The introduction of the microservice concept has made software easier to maintain and more flexible. 

How Microservices and Containerization Make a Difference?

These technologies have completely changed the world of software. Although their impact is most noticeable in telecommunications, it also affects other major industries. Back in the day, operators relied on large, clunky systems to deliver their services. But with containerization and microservices, it’s now possible to:

• Break down different functions into scalable, flexible parts.

• Deploy services fast in different locations.

• Make periodic updates and other changes without affecting the system.

Most importantly, containerization and microservices allowed us to build functional cloud-native environments. We can now deliver software as per clients’ needs, and ensure real-time scaling and flexibility. Ultimately, all of this improves performance and promotes innovation.

Benefits of Containerization for 5G Core

Containerization is vital for modern operators as it allows them to deploy CNFs (Containerized Network Functions). This marks a major technological leap as we’re able to replace the old VNFs (Virtual Network Functions). Here are some of the major advantages of containerization:

1. Faster Updates and Deployment

The best thing about containerization is that it eliminates downtime. You can deploy technology within minutes, making lifecycle management that much easier. Furthermore, it allows companies to hasten time-to-market. 

2. Easy Portability 

You can use containers on just about any platform, where we’re talking about edge, private, or public networks. The best thing yet is that you don’t have to make any modifications to services. As a result, operators can easily deploy software across various environments.

3. Enhanced Security

Each container is a separate entity. So, if one of them is breached, the rest of the system will remain untouched. 

4. Resource Use

Containers rely on the IS kernel, which makes them much lighter than some solutions. The lower resource utilization signifies lower operational costs, giving operators who use 5G core a competitive advantage.

Benefits of Microservices for 5G Core

Microservices are also a type of containerization. Instead of relying on a large piece of software to perform various functions, we split an app into smaller parts. Each component is a separate entity responsible for a specific task. These are some of the benefits of using microservices:

1. Separate Scaling

The great thing about microservices is that they allow you to scale and update each function separately. For example, you can make changes to the payment without affecting the login. With the granular control, you can easily make changes according to a user’s needs.

2. CI/CD

Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment is one of the most alluring characteristics of microservices. This is perfect for agile development, as IT experts can make rolling updates without affecting the rest of the system.

3. Fault Isolation

Given that each microservice works separately, this makes them much more resilient to external and internal changes. For example, hacking a microservice doesn’t affect the rest of them. Similarly, microservices have complete fault isolation.

4. Tech Diversity

You can use various programming languages and frameworks to build separate microservices. This gives your teams much more flexibility during development, as they can use the optimal workflow according to a situation.

The Future Application of 5G Core

Modern containers will allow different 5G functions to be deployed closer to user devices. As a result, we can enjoy much lower latency, which is invaluable for various real-time applications. For example, this technology allows us to live stream, drive autonomous vehicles, and operate AI machinery.

Speaking of artificial intelligence, 5G core is nowadays used for anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and automated healing. All in all, containerization and microservices ensure a higher level of accuracy while streamlining various processes.