In our introductory blog, we discussed how container network functions (CNFs) depend on robust infrastructure to deliver critical services. As a rule, telco applications, such as those related to Network functionality or 4/5G Core, support a large and demanding user base, require high throughput and low latency, with a strong focus on availability and reliability.This article explores the unique networking needs of telco applications and discusses effective solutions to meet those needs.

Telco network function characteristics

Telco network functions are crucial for providing services like voice calls and data, but are also being used in exciting new areas, such as connected cars, drones, and self-driving systems that need fast, low latency, highly reliable communication. Running on network functions (NF), including virtual network functions (VNFs) in virtualized environments and CNFs in cloud-native containerized contexts, telco applications differ from traditional IT applications. Unlike a typical IT application with freedom in resource usage, a telco application must consistently meet much  stricter performance requirements. In addition, telco networks are increasingly supporting advanced industrial uses, such as smart factories and remote robotics, where Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and quick data collection play a vital role. 

Telco applications are designed to support real-time, mission-critical communications, necessitating high-speed data paths with minimal delays. Key characteristics of telco networking include:

• Low latency
• High bandwidth
• Clear separation between data and control planes

Low latency

When it comes to telco applications, low latency is critical. Whether high-stakes voice and video calls or advanced technologies like connected cars and drones, minimizing delay is paramount. A lag of just a few milliseconds can disrupt functionality and compromise the user experience. In sectors where safety is a priority (such as autonomous systems) keeping latency to a minimum is non-negotiable.

High bandwidth

Next up is high bandwidth, crucial for handling intensive data flows. Consider the data generated by self-driving vehicles or drones; they require vast information transfer for navigation, mapping, and managing sensor data. This is where high bandwidth shines, enabling these technologies to operate smoothly and effectively.

Separation of data and control planes

One prominent feature of telco networking is the clear separation between data and control planes. By isolating user data from network functions and session management, telco applications enhance security and reduce congestion. This separation is vital for maintaining resilience in data transmission, allowing for optimal efficiency even under heavy loads.

Connectivity, traffic steering, and load balancing

Connectivity, effective traffic management, and load balancing are vital for telecommunications networks, particularly for applications like self-driving cars and drones. Reliable connections between components, such as Service Gateways and PDN Gateways, ensure smooth data flow. 

Traffic management techniques, including static routes across VLANs, help prioritize latency-sensitive services. Load balancing prevents resource overload and maintains responsiveness. 

This balance is essential for high-demand applications, ensuring resilience during peak loads. In industrial environments, telecommunications applications support IoT sensors and M2M communication, preventing data congestion and enabling seamless operations.

Separation of infrastructure and application networking

Infrastructure networks handle core functions like provisioning, configuration, and cluster management. The provisioning network manages system setup, while tools like Ansible automate resource management. The external operation and maintenance (O&M) network oversees scaling and upgrades, which are crucial for applications in sectors like transportation. Internal service networks support node communication and storage access, ensuring application stability.

In contrast, application networks focus on end-user and application-specific data flows. The external layer, often using edge nodes, manages access and load balancing for traffic, isolating user data flows (for example, edge nodes facilitate communication for connected vehicles and drones). The provider network layer supports traffic within the cluster and between applications and users, ensuring smooth data movement. This network separation allows efficient flow for industrial IoT applications, meeting real-time and large-scale data processing needs.

Multus, an open source container network interface (CNI) plugin, enhances this separation by enabling multiple network interfaces for Pods in Kubernetes. This allows applications to achieve tailored performance and resource efficiency while maintaining the stability and security of critical data flows.

Networking utility for Kubernetes

Managing networks in Kubernetes for telco requires specialized tools to make service management easier. Red Hat OpenShift enhances these capabilities by providing built-in networking solutions tailored for telco workloads. These tools help with service discovery and load balancing through features like Virtual IP (VIP) Services, Load Balancing Egress, and Dynamic DNS.  These functionalities ensure that telco CNFs can operate reliably while meeting strict performance and compliance requirements.

1. VIP Services: Improves service discovery and load balancing by dynamically allocating resources based on user requests, essential for applications like self-driving cars and real-time drones
2. Load Balancing Egress: Distributes outbound traffic evenly to enhance reliability and reduce service interruptions
3. Dynamic DNS: Automatically updates DNS records to keep services accessible as network demands change, which is particularly important for applications needing real-time data

Kubernetes Custom Resource Definitions (CRD) provide flexibility for network management. Important CRDs include:

• Nexthop CRD: Configures routing from worker nodes to edge nodes for optimal data flow, crucial for low-latency applications
• VIP CRD: Manages incoming traffic distribution for better responsiveness
• Route CRD: Sets efficient paths for outgoing traffic, ensuring smooth data flow for connected systems

This adaptability is also beneficial for industrial IoT applications, where it supports large data streams from distributed sensors and devices, maintaining consistent performance across networks.

Solutions for the unique requirements of telco

In cloud-native environments, the CNF networking architecture relies heavily on robust infrastructure capabilities. Optimal deployment of CNFs in a telco network requires specialized networking and routing configurations, particularly for external networks, to meet the high-performance demands of users.

Multus, an open source CNI plugin, plays a crucial role in managing these demands by enabling multiple network interfaces for pods in Kubernetes. This CNI plugin allows telco applications to create distinct tenant networks with customized performance characteristics, optimizing resources and minimizing cross-traffic interference.

End-users in fast-paced, data-intensive fields like autonomous systems, real-time IoT applications, and industrial automation, have unique requirements. Address these, and your telco application in a cloud-native environment will be fully equipped to deliver the high-performance, reliable services that the telco industry needs.

For more information about our Telco services visit our Telco industry page.