The telecom industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from traditional proprietary, vertically integrated systems to embrace disaggregated, cloud-native infrastructures. This transition promises enhanced scalability, agility, and service innovation. However, it also brings complexities related to deployment, interoperability, and lifecycle management. To address these challenges, Dell Technologies has partnered with Red Hat to introduce a solution that aims to streamline the deployment of open, cloud-native networks and expedite time-to-market for communications service providers (CSPs).
Integrated and Validated Infrastructure
At the core of the Dell Telecom Infrastructure Blocks for Red Hat lies a fully integrated and validated infrastructure, automation, and cloud software stack. This architecture combines telco-grade Dell PowerEdge servers, Dell PowerSwitch network switches, the Dell Telecom Infrastructure Automation Suite for hardware automation and lifecycle management, and Red Hat OpenShift for a production-grade container-as-a-service (CaaS) platform. Together, these components provide a robust and scalable foundation for CSPs to deploy containerized workloads, ranging from OSS (Operations Support Systems) and BSS (Business Support Systems) to 5G Core, edge, and RAN (Radio Access Network) functions.
This setup allows CSPs to pool resources and deploy containerized workloads efficiently, thereby enhancing cost efficiency and resource utilization. With Dell and Red Hat’s solution, CSPs can manage diverse deployment environments and compute needs, ensuring consistent cloud-native infrastructure from core to edge to RAN. Dell PowerEdge servers and ruggedized edge servers cater to core and edge workloads, respectively, while specific Dell PowerSwitch models manage networking requirements. This unified approach simplifies deployment, enabling CSPs to focus on innovation and service delivery.
Simplified Deployment Lifecycle
The deployment lifecycle of Dell Telecom Infrastructure Blocks for Red Hat is streamlined into three stages: Day 0 (technology onboarding and pre-production), Day 1 (production), and Day 2+ (operations and support). Dell and Red Hat facilitate each phase to reduce friction and expedite setup, allowing CSPs to deploy their services faster and more efficiently. The comprehensive support structure ensures that CSPs can focus on delivering high-quality services without worrying about underlying infrastructure complexities.
In its fourth release, Dell Telecom Infrastructure Blocks for Red Hat is AI-ready, offering CSPs a foundation for both cloud-native network functions and emerging AI use cases like edge inferencing, chatbots, and video analytics. This AI readiness positions CSPs to leverage advanced technologies and drive innovation in their service offerings. Dell also provides a certification program leveraging its Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab (OTEL) as-a-Service for seamless onboarding of containerized network functions (CNFs). This certification effort ensures that solutions from several partners, such as 6D Technologies, Amdocs, Axyom.Core, Ciena, Compax Digital, Expeto, Ericsson, FNT, Matrixx Software, NEC, and ng-voice, are compatible and optimized for deployment within this ecosystem.
AI-Ready Infrastructure
The AI-readiness of Dell Telecom Infrastructure Blocks for Red Hat marks a significant milestone in the journey toward next-generation telecom networks. By incorporating AI capabilities into the infrastructure, CSPs can explore new service possibilities and enhance existing offerings. AI-driven applications, such as edge inferencing and video analytics, can improve customer experiences and drive operational efficiencies. The integration of AI into cloud-native infrastructures provides CSPs with the tools they need to innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
The certification program offered by Dell further ensures the interoperability and performance of containerized network functions from various partners. This collaborative approach fosters a diverse and robust ecosystem, enabling CSPs to choose from a wide range of solutions that best meet their needs. The OTEL as-a-Service platform simplifies the onboarding process and accelerates time-to-market for new services, supporting CSPs in their efforts to transform networks and deliver cutting-edge solutions to their customers.
Streamlined Path to Network Transformation
The telecommunications industry is experiencing a major shift, moving away from traditional proprietary and vertically integrated systems to embracing disaggregated, cloud-native infrastructures. This change promises enhanced scalability, greater agility, and more opportunities for service innovation. Nevertheless, it also introduces complexities in terms of deployment, interoperability, and lifecycle management. To tackle these challenges, Dell Technologies has teamed up with Red Hat to launch a solution designed to simplify the deployment of open, cloud-native networks and speed up the time-to-market for communications service providers (CSPs). This collaborative effort aims to harness the benefits of cloud-native technology while ensuring seamless integration and efficient operation. By adopting this solution, CSPs can better navigate the intricate landscape of modern telecom networks, resulting in more robust, flexible, and innovative services. This partnership underscores the importance of combining resources and expertise to effectively address the evolving demands of the telecom sector.
