The standardization of the 5G Access Gateway Function (AGF) is the result of a joint initiative between the Broadband Forum (BBF) and GSMA’s 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
The 5G AGF resides between the wireline access infrastructure and wireless core network allowing fixed subscribers to be delivered services from the same 5G core serving mobile subscribers resulting in cost savings and operational efficiency.
CapEx is significantly reduced as it is no longer necessary to invest in multiple network infrastructures and OpEx savings is realized through the use of a common operational model for fixed and mobile.
The Benu Networks SD-Edge platform supports both Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) functionality and the 5G Access Gateway Function (5G AGF).
This gives service providers the confidence to deploy Benu’s BNG for fixed service today knowing they have a smooth path to 5G Wireless Wireline Convergence (WWC) from the same platform without needing specialized hardware. All functionality is delivered in software.
This path was first set by 5G networks adopting a disaggregated cloud-native architecture with standards groups then working together to define a fixed-line network architecture built on the same software-based cloud-native principles for the next generation BNG.
With the 5G AGF, 5G capabilities like network slicing, low-latency communications, and high-scale Internet-of-Things (IoT) services can be enabled on fixed wireline networks presenting an opportunity for operators to significantly increase ARPU.
As an example, dedicated low-latency high-bandwidth network slices for virtual reality and augmented reality will accelerate adoption of those applications while service providers will be able to differentiate their broadband offering from others by providing a meaningful and superior user experience.
Similarly, network slices for IoT devices can provide enhanced security while network slices for multi-player and cloud gaming can ensure a more secure and consistent user experience.
Immersive technology continues to change the way people work, live, play, and consume information.
As service providers look for ways to capitalize on consumers’ demand for “anywhere, anytime, any device” service delivery, 5G WWC becomes a critical piece of their business strategy to deliver on that promise while providing a common user experience across fixed and mobile.
Benu Networks’ Cloud-Native SD-Edge with its ability to provide multiple network functions in software was architected just for this purpose.
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Benu Networks’ 5G AGF has multiple deployment options to meet the carrier where they are on their journey to a fully cloud-native implementation.
