The broadband network

as a software platform
Harness the benefits of SDN/NFV and migrate your broadband
network to the cloud in the way that suits your unique needs

White paper
Contents
Time is your money 3
Take control of your SDAN journey 3
Efficiency and agility benefits in network operations 4
Flexible deployment options 5
About Altiplano 5
Traditional, virtual, and hybrid environments 5
A diverse range of SDN-programmable equipment practices 7
System integration and software development 8
Nokia Altiplano platform offers a unique transition path 9
Operator strategies and deployment models 11
Case #1: Fast track 11
Case #2: Quick win 11
Case #3: Early start 12
Case #4: Step-by-step (Altiplano Access Controller) 12
Case #5: Step-by-step (Altiplano-as-a-platform) 12
Case #6: Step-by-step (advanced analytics) 12
Case #7: Greenfield fiber 13
Case #8: Greenfield fixed wireless access 13
Case #9: Greenfield mobile anyhaul 13
Conclusion 14

2 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Time is your money
Over the past few decades, broadband access has grown significantly in importance, impacting practically
every aspect of daily life on its way to becoming a human right.
Today, broadband finds itself in a disruptive and innovative time, where long-held paradigms no longer
hold true. Communication services used to have a lifespan of 10+ years and their definition remained fairly
unchanged over that period. Now, social networking, teleworking, cloud gaming, machine-to-machine,
5G and Industry 4.0 are changing those metrics. New services demand more symmetrical traffic, dynamic
capacity, lower latency, always-on behavior, and a responsiveness measured in seconds rather than
minutes or hours.
Access networks as we know them today struggle with these new behaviors. They’ve been built to be solid
and extremely stable, with redundancy implemented within each network element and between elements.
Significant validation testing is required to maintain this stability whenever a change is needed, which
makes change slow to implement in the rigid traditional designs.
This issue is exacerbated by the antiquated OSS that many operators have in their networks. The
OSS typically has hundreds of individual applications with many interconnections, which often lack
standardization and documentation. Consequently, new service development and change cycles
require significant time and expertise, and operators even face a long wait before starting new projects
(~6 months). Studies show that OSS spending in the telco industry is growing 7% per year between 2018
and 20241. While time and money go into doing things the old and expensive way, network operators
forfeit the ability to react quickly and save money in the long run.
Software-defined networking (SDN) could not have arrived at a better time. Operators are being frustrated
by complexity and their inability to move as quickly as they (or their customers) would like. SDN applied
to the broadband network (in a software-defined access network, or SDAN) brings platform attributes
to the network, renewing an operator ability to scale and react fast. Building the broadband network as
a platform realizes the evolution of hardware-based networks to software-defined platforms with much
of the functionality virtualized. However, the path towards SDAN and, more generally, cloud and platform
operations, is necessarily a pragmatic and incremental affair, dependent upon each operator’s unique
business, technological and operational needs. This paper provides insight into Nokia’s experiences in building
software-defined access networks that bring immediate and long-term benefits to broadband builders.

Take control of your SDAN journey

The move to SDN and the cloud is an access network transformation that happens once every 20 years.
Operators will need help with migration models and strategy as they transform their multi-generational,
multi-technology networks to the cloudified, fully integrated environments that will support agile software
development, closed-loop automation and AI/ML-based analytics.
For the move to the cloud, operators want clarity to develop a plan that incorporates the needs of the
business and customer base. Not all can propagate changes at the same rate; there is both technological
and organizational disruption to deal with. That’s why a customized approach through different stages of
SDN is always the best path to success in brownfield situations.

1 Global Market Insights: OSS/BSS Market Size By Solution, June 2020

3 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
 Figure 1. Different paths to digital operations
Big bang Quick win Early start Fast track Step-by-step
Network evolution

Network evolution

Network evolution

Network evolution

Network evolution
?

Operations evolution Operations evolution Operations evolution Operations evolution Operations evolution

• CSP embarked on a • CSP is fast follower driven • CSP has made early • CSP is conservative • CSP is business-case
technology race and by competitive pressures investments towards to not disrupt current driven pragmatist
business transformation • Open to start with SDN for E2E automation roll-outs • Maximize efficiency
• CSP is innovator automation efficiencies • CSPs are early adopters • Prefers minimal changes and business
• Greenfield deployment to OSS and EMS GUI opportunities

A good upfront assessment sets you on the right path from the beginning and results in a positive impact
on the time to market for new broadband technologies. Nokia can ensure operators avoid ending up
with isolated islands of SDN/NFV deployments, long integration cycles, forklifting the whole system, or
being forced into a migration to simply maintain existing functionality. Nokia’s carrier-grade integrated
solutions allow operators to pace their investments, so they avoid big up-front capital expenses and build
their expertise incrementally. If changes are too radical, the project will bloat and encounter delays. SDAN
neither dictates nor requires a rip and replace approach; operators can apply SDAN where and when it
provides value, to “grow-as-you-learn” with incremental deployment approaches. A clear product vision, a
strategy for executing it and knowing which initiatives to start, stop, or continue will help operators reach
their goal of achieving high-performance network autonomics.

Efficiency and agility benefits in network operations

SDAN brings automation that helps operators augment human capabilities in planning cycles, adapting to
change and responding to threat. A SDAN helps deal with the increased number of options, technologies,
parameters and dimensions that need optimizing. However, while many operators have a sense of where
the value of SDAN could come from, quantifying it is complex. It is, therefore, imperative, that operators
calculate and validate the benefits they can realize when moving to SDAN, taking into account their current
mode of operations.
As network elements are redefined using programmable software, data analytics and cloud evolutions,
new use cases drive the need for a more IT-like digital approach with higher efficiency. This makes changes,
upgrades and device replacements much easier, and reduces OPEX for the overall solution. The real benefit
of software-defined digital operations comes from minimizing the lag between creation of services and
ability of the network to support them. SDN enables better control and improves the view of network
conditions across the various vendors’ equipment, network layers, and technologies. This enables better
insights for pro-active operations, faster diagnostics and remediation with high-precision telemetry and
predictive care.
In today’s broadband networks, SDAN benefits are measurable and pay for themselves. Analysis carried
out with leading operators shows that automating routine FCAPS tasks alone can save 25-40% of recurring
OPEX in a national network . The open programmable interfaces and modular architecture allow faster
introduction of new capabilities, new services, new technologies, new vendors and new applications.

4 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Nokia can help individual operators with a thorough economic analysis to identify and quantify SDAN
benefits. It includes consulting services to define the best transition path and technology roadmap,
identify the network and the operational impact, and help operators make an informed decision when
transitioning to SDAN.

Flexible deployment options

The heart of Nokia’s SDAN solution is the Nokia Altiplano Access Controller, which moves the center
of gravity for application and service deployment for the fixed network into the cloud.
Altiplano is a genuine clean-sheet transformational step that replaces traditional practices with a
lean, lower-cost design for fast feature delivery. The solution is all about modularity, flexibility and a
smooth adoption to cater to different operator environments and competitive landscapes, based on
deep networking expertise, strong commitment to standards and open platforms, world-class system
integration and cloud-native software development. Nokia helps any broadband operator map out how
to obtain a complete and rich set of automation capabilities.

About Altiplano
The Altiplano platform is an open software framework, designed to be extended and customized, and
targeting both human operators and M2M automation. It enables many tasks to be automated and
provides numerous interfaces for detailed troubleshooting by an operator’s staff. The Altiplano platform
offers a complete suite of network management functions as well as SDN control that operators need to
run a broadband network today and tomorrow. The cloud-native microservices architecture caters for
various OSS environments with a rich set of protocols and integrates easily with common IT tools and
open-source best-practices to help operators conduct daily FCAPS operational activities. With the Altiplano
platform capabilities, operators can easily try out new services and take greater responsibility for driving
differentiation.

Traditional, virtual, and hybrid environments

Altiplano automates network lifecycle management activity, providing operators a single unified pane
of glass for the entire access network domain, supporting SDN-native, legacy and third-party network
equipment. Altiplano can play different roles and cater to different OSS and orchestration systems. The
platform can be optimized to handle very specific operator strategies and business opportunities, while
avoiding constant OSS integration and lengthy software development cycles.
To support deployment variations, the high-scalability, high-availability Altiplano platform offers a versatile
set of discrete microservices. Microservices exist for many network management tasks: intent-based
automation, network provisioning, service fulfilment, service assurance, software upgrades, high-precision
telemetry, system integration and network planning, among others. The flexibility allows operators to deploy
the management and control solution they need today and offers a path to grow the platform as new
requirements arise, minimizing vendor lock-in and/or vendor specific (proprietary) integrations and costs.
• Altiplano can operate as a traditional network management system (NMS) that offers all the FCAPS
operational tools that an operator needs today: tools for network visualization, diagnostics for
troubleshooting, historical performance data, access to CLI and alarm monitoring. The NMS can
manage SDN nodes without additional OSS capabilities and grow as operators evolve their networks
and digital operations systems over time.

5 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
• Altiplano can operate as a sophisticated SDN domain controller (SDC) which offers a wide range of
APIs, FCAPS tools and cloud applications that can be used to visualize, optimize, and enhance the
fixed access network. It provides a complete suite of network management functions as well as SDN
control without compromising on scale and openness. The controller delivers automation, easy OSS
integration, and flexible service programming, including network provisioning, telemetry streaming,
network slicing, declarative intents, policy enforcement, network health checks, diagnostics, and
network upgrades. The platform flexibility allows it to be extended with customized applications and
graphical user interfaces. It supports multi-vendor, multi-technology networks via a wide range of
adapters and supports dynamic and location transparent deployment of virtualized network functions.
It provides SDN control for SDN-native nodes, but also for traditional equipment and third-party
element management systems, which lack the APIs for automation and have only limited monitoring
and customization options. The controller is able to accommodate all this, pulling together various data
sources and management systems from different suppliers. This orchestration is needed to federate
provisioning and monitoring across large, hybrid traditional-SDN networks.

Figure 2. Altiplano open cloud platform

Network applications

Turn-up Configuration Assurance tools SW delivery Service health

SDN Customizable Closed-loop Powerful

intent-based automated workflow
automation abstraction operations engines

Flexible Always-on Scalable

Cloud and model-driven network high-precision
virtualization foundation in the cloud data telemetry

Robust Fully open Complete

Network cloud-native programmable set of
management architecture interfaces FCAPS tools

Altiplano Modular Connected Developer Software

extensible SDK
cloud platform micro-services
Partner Program Portal plug-ins

• Altiplano can operate as an open cloud platform, hosting a set of robust components and modular
hot-deployable microservices which provide logic and primitives to efficiently program and monitor
hundreds of thousands of access nodes through programmable APIs. The Linux-based open platform
is device- and protocol-agnostic and uses an open bus streaming architecture with Kafka. It centralizes
and virtualizes functionality that was traditionally embedded in-the-box and deals with challenges such
as node reachability and scalability. The open cloud-native architecture enjoys multiple options and
a higher level of technology control. It allows operators to support specific use cases, onboard their
own network applications, build extensions and engineer a custom management and control solution.
This includes both open-source and proprietary components and can be a mix of Nokia-provided and
operator-owned microservices.

6 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
The Altiplano platform comes with a software development kit (SDK) which exposes a complete set of
programming capabilities. The APIs enable to easily integrate and fully control device and application
connectivity without functional limitations. For advice and expertise on how to integrate and maintain fixed
networks applications, the Altiplano Developer Portal features tools and resources that allow developers to
easily extend the out-of-the-box functionality. Operators can use the portal for development and testing
before deploying in their network, eliminating the need for a software upgrade or going through complex
and cumbersome integration and validation cycles, as is the case today for traditional access networks.
The portal includes a GitHub repository of code, templates and samples, quick access to a virtual lab
environment for developing and testing, and documentation on how to use and develop service intents.
Nokia also run an OSS Connected Partner Program to support the specific management and control needs
of operators in a highly dynamic OSS landscape. Under the program, best in class independent software
vendors (ISVs) work closely with Nokia to proactively integrate their OSS applications with Nokia Fixed
Networks solutions and share expertise on how to maintain interoperability. The program provides the
training, tools and support to fast-track system design, software mediation and integration.

A diverse range of SDN-programmable equipment practices

Figure 3. Nokia SDN-programmable solutions
Edge cloud Central office Cabinet Outside plant Fixed wireless
Modular deployment Head end Telco room In-building On-premises

FastMile 4G/5G
DX/DF

CF/SAR/SR FX series MX/MF SF SX ONT/CPE

Access network equipment is evolving in order to meet new customer use cases and requirements. The
wide range of specialized equipment delivers full flexibility to meet Gigabit demands. Different form
factors can satisfy different use cases; from outdoor sealed nodes and cabinet deployments, to modular
stackable nodes and big chassis-based access nodes. Through considered rearchitecting of industry-
standard designs following separation-of-concern principles, software and hardware of the traditional
node architecture are disaggregated; this enables independent development and validation cycles of the
solution components, delivering more flexible pay-as-you-grow deployment models. The transparent
APIs, the modular node software, the decoupling of ONU management and the flexible YANG-based
device modeling transform the access network into a programmable infrastructure. Because the access
node functions are more flexible than those in traditional network elements, it is easier to change and
customize functionality to match the operator’s desired operations model. This allows fast feature delivery
and easy integration without functional limitations, customization bottlenecks or change cycles requiring
recompiling of monolithic node software.

7 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
System integration and software development
The strengths of any cloud and SDN offering can be evaluated based on their system integration and
software development capabilities. Nokia’s networking expertise and industrialized transformation tooling
is based on years of network project delivery in traditional modernization programs, as well as lessons
learned from emerging practices in IT automation, data science and telco cloud domains to integrate what
must be integrated and open what can be opened.
Nokia helps operators SDN-enable their broadband networks through a three-step approach:
1. An upfront assessment that defines the transformation path and quantifies the benefits.
2. A rethink of how to build a network so that it can sustain a hybrid virtual-legacy environment and make
the most of new intent-based networking concepts.
3. A plan to operate the network using agile software delivery methods.
Building a customized SDAN solution requires disciplined systems integration to keep together all
the elements in a working solution. Nokia applies a vendor-agnostic system integration and software
development approach where the operator IT environment and all network nodes—third-party, virtual and
legacy—find their place. The Nokia SDAN Integration and Migration Operations Centers are key assets for
providing the support needed.
By design, Altiplano is a cloud-native controller with a microservices architecture, which is fundamental for
the evolution to agile software development and DevOps. Not only Nokia but also operator, third-party
or open-source microservices can be dynamically (hot) deployed. This is more challenging to deal with, so
Nokia DevOps delivers automation and a disciplined, end-to-end, software and solution integration and
testing approach to deliver new features, faster.

Figure 4. Complete fixed networks services offer for a smooth transition to cloud and SDN
1500+ service experts World-class expertise, Large toolset, as well as
around the globe tools and processes migration operation centers

Integration in
Solution design Solution customization Multi-vendor integration customer environment

Analysis and design Altiplano Customization Third-party extensions OSS Integration

OSS Consultancy Intent Customization Multi-vendor ONU Connect Customer Cloud Validation
Customer blueprint Slicing models Hardening Open Source SW Third-party ACS Integration

SDAN E2E blueprints

Core
OSS/MANO Software Software Software Automated Operations
Integration
E2E SDN install config integration test Assistance
Services
PNF and VNF

Support the rapid technology evolution 10011001

01001101
in access networks, broadband services 11000101

and operational platforms Software Partner DevOps Extreme Multi-vendor Technology

factory ecosystem CI/CD automation expertise consultancy

8 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Nokia Altiplano platform offers a unique transition path
We have a unique solution for operators to define their best path to a software-defined access network.
This transition path needs to address key operator needs:
• Need 1: How to deploy. How do I deploy SDN in a broadband network without risking a big-bang
migration that requires a large upfront investment?
• Need 2: How to integrate. How do I avoid lengthy software development and cumbersome OSS
integration cycles dominating the IT budget to operationalize SDN?
• Need 3: How to deal with legacy. How do I maximize the re-use of existing assets and SDN-enable
legacy components with minimal risk, effort and cost?
The timeline for implementing each track differs depending on the operator’s strategy, competitive
landscape and technology choices. Based on collaboration with operators, we can identify three stages
of development and, while the stages and challenges are universal, a flexible approach is still needed to
address the unique needs of each operator. Operator approaches differ in the priorities they set, the pace
at which they progress and the trajectory they follow.

Figure 5. Stages of software-defined access networks

Full SDN

Stage 1: Flexibility to easily Stage 2: Freedom to evolve OSS Stage 3: Efficiency of a digital cloud
operationalize SDN in the network and network at your own pace platform and automated operations

How to Start with a geographical Expand model-driven SDN roll-out Extend the network solution
expansion, tactical deployments • Add new node type • Add a new equipment supplier
deploy or new broadband technology • Add new access technology • Add third-party tools and applications

Integrate SDN layer with open Refactor management processes Extend feature delivery, data-driven
How to APIs and service abstraction into and migrate FCAPS step-wise to insights and zero-touch operations with
integrate the operator’s cloud and OSS new containerized microservices NetOps, predictive care and AI/ML

How to Wrap legacy protocols for Convert traditional installed base Unify via a single pane of glass for full
deal with smooth integration in the OSS. to SDN via controlled node automation and abstraction, Legacy node
legacy No impact to installed base. software migration phase out or SW medication for EMS

Once you have the freedom to rely on a cloud-native platform, hardware or OSS changes do not drive a ripple of management
and operational issues. No ‘big bang’ or lengthy software development needed because OSS and network evolutions are decoupled.

9 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Stage 1: Flexibility to operationalize a SDN deployment in an existing operator environment
Operators do not typically introduce SDN as a stand-alone project; instead, they combine it with a
geographical expansion, a tactical deployment, or new broadband technology like XGS-PON, G.fast or
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). Operationalizing SDAN in this way allows operators to build their expertise
incrementally, avoids any big upfront capital investments and can be done without impact on the installed
base of traditional network equipment. Systems integration is required to operationalize the SDN-enabled
platform within the operator environment, but our rich choice of digital interfaces, partner solution
interoperability and software adapters will guarantee a smooth integration with the existing cloud and IT
platforms. In this first stage, a powerful intent-based engine gets introduced to reduce the OSS integration
effort. Reducing the amount of data that the OSS must process and provide is essential for reducing
the complexity and raising the speed of introduction. Built in to Altiplano is a catalogue of infrastructure
and service intent blueprints that allow plug-and-play provisioning. New blueprints can be created, or
the preset blueprints can be customized to an operator’s deployment model and preferred reference
configuration.

Stage 2: Freedom to continuously improve OSS and network at your own pace
Fixed network operators have significant investments tied up in the installed base and want to maximize
their returns on this investment. At the same time, there is an absolute necessity to maintain continuity
of services for customers. It is for these reasons that a binary switch from a cloudless to a full cloud
environment is an impossibility. Operators must be able to roll out SDN automation in phases to ensure
a smooth transition from their existing delivery models.
The intent engine achieves the decoupling of OSS and network evolutions. By relying on a consistent
software abstraction, hardware or OSS changes no longer drive a ripple of operational issues. This
allows operators to stay in control as they expand SDN deployments, introduce new node types, convert
traditional nodes, refactor the management process, and migrate FCAPS operations stepwise to new
containerized microservices. This controlled approach enables continuous improvements without ‘big
bang’ migrations or lengthy software development cycles.

Stage 3: Efficiency of a digital cloud platform and automated operations

As operators continue to integrate different network solutions, they can automate across the various
solution domains to simplify operations even further. Operators can build their own microservices and
mix them with Nokia-supplied microservices. Third party equipment can be easily added as blueprints
can be created for managing different access node APIs and vendor-specific EMS implementations.
Rip-and-replace of legacy systems which are embedded in the everyday business of operators is usually
not an option. As gradual phase-out of legacy systems could last decades, the network operations are by
no means restricted by the ability of the network to support SDN capabilities; software mediation can help
bridge legacy and software-defined networks and adapt to different protocol implementations (NETCONF
or SNMP). It results in a single pane of glass for end-to-end automation and service abstraction. With
the cloud-native solution comes high-precision telemetry of network support data. Applying analytics
and AI/ML to this data enables better insights for pro-active operations, fast diagnostics and assisted
remediation. The software modularity also creates opportunities for NetOps, redefining how network
software is developed, delivered and put into operation in a much more efficient way, and how network
operators and suppliers work together to deliver new features more frequently.

10 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Operator strategies and deployment models
Let’s have a look at how Nokia helps different operators around the world to implement SDN and cloud
in fixed access.
Figure 6. Operator strategies and deployment models

Fast track Quick win Step-by-step Greenfield use cases

µs
µs
µs
Network evolution

#6 #7 #8 #9

#1 #2 #5

#4

#3 Early start

Operations evolution

Case #1: Fast track

Region: NAR
Need: How to deploy.
Objective: Operator faces aggressive timeline to introduce new access technology.
Deployment: Altiplano NMS
Path: They want to deploy the latest G.fast 212 MHz technology with reverse powering. To
manage nodes that are not powered up, they have the configuration managed in the cloud
and updates are simply applied as soon as nodes come online. Due to the tight project
schedule, they maximize the reuse of IT infrastructure and minimize integration effort
into the existing OSS with SOAP/XML protocol adaptation.

Case #2: Quick win

Region: EMEA
Need: How to integrate.
Objective: Fast follower introduces new G.fast technology and delivers operational efficiencies for
mass-scale rollouts.
Deployment: Altiplano Access Controller
Path: They focus on best-of-class integration for automation efficiencies. The operator needs
to move quickly so as not to lose out against competition. They need simplified, unified
management of a multi-technology, multi-vendor environment. The automation with
service intents and zero-touch provisioning reduces the time necessary to deploy, configure
and activate G.fast nodes. This case differs from the fast track case by the way in which SDN
is integrated with native interfaces.

11 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Case #3: Early start
Region: APAC
Need: How to deal with legacy.
Objective: Early adopter who’s making early investments in end-to-end automation.
Deployment: Altiplano Access Controller
Path: They plan to modernize their management system to SDN for existing GPON nodes, as a
strategic step forward to prepare for XGS-PON deployments at a later stage. They want
to orchestrate NETCONF and SNMP equipment, and migrate existing Nokia ISAM FX nodes
to SDN via a software upgrade. It differs from quick win/fast track cases by prioritizing the
orchestration with a single controller. In order to minimize changes to the OSS, they want
to use existing interface types.

Case #4: Step-by-step (Altiplano Access Controller)

Region: EMEA
Need: How to integrate.
Objective: Simplify operations and introduce data center-scale designs and procedures.
Deployment: Altiplano Access Controller
Path: This operator mixes new datacenter-like deployments with traditional CO nodes, with mobile
backhaul on P2P and other services on GPON, XGS-PON. They deploy disaggregated access
architectures, also referred to as PoDs (Point of Delivery), including local compute nodes
to run virtualized workloads. The PoD deploys edge cloud functions and local virtualized
control plane, managed and controlled by a single-pane-of-glass multi-technology SDN
domain controller.

Case #5: Step-by-step (Altiplano-as-a-platform)

Region: APAC
Need: How to deploy, how to integrate.
Objective: Operator embarked on a technology race to meet its mass deployment goals.
Deployment: Altiplano-as-a-platform
Path: They plan to modernize their operations for a new technology deployment with G.fast.
They source nodes from various suppliers and use the Nokia platform for managing
equipment from all vendors. The platform consists of a set of micro-services and open APIs.
The operator can build their own components and select third-party assets with assured
integration into the Nokia platform. The agile software solution allows the operator to take
early software builds in DevOps style.

Case #6: Step-by-step (advanced analytics)

Region: APAC
Need: How to integrate.
Objective: Operator has a multi-technology strategy to roll out new ultra-broadband services.

12 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Deployment: Altiplano Access Controller with Altiplano Network Application
Path: The focus is to address a specific operational concern. They want to continuously monitor
the copper network for anomalies causing instabilities. Nokia introduces the controller with
a cloud application for fast loop diagnostics and early detection of performance issues on
the copper network using AI/ML.

Case #7: Greenfield fiber

Region: LATAM
Need: How to deploy.
Objective: Greenfield rollout with a business-case pragmatist to maximize fiber rollout opportunity.
Deployment: Altiplano Access Controller for Network Slicing
Path: They plan to rollout a greenfield GPON network as an infrastructure provider and provide
open access to service providers. Nokia offers the most flexible solution on the market
to deliver competitive wholesale products with more operational control and autonomy
for their tenants. This allows the operator to secure long-term lease contracts with Tier 1
service providers. They will initially start by deploying a FTTH open access network in the
capital before expanding to other cities and countries.

Case #8: Greenfield fixed wireless access

Region: LATAM
Need: How to deploy.
Objective: Mobile operator starting with fixed wireless access for tactical deployment.
Deployment: Altiplano FastMile Controller
Path: They integrate SDN for end-to-end service lifecycle management for fixed wireless access.
As a greenfield deployment, there is no legacy network. They want optimal usage of radio
resources and to use the controller to do radio planning. Next, they will improve service
assurance with high-precision telemetry, service health monitoring and intent-based service
optimization via the Altiplano policy engine. It integrates easily into any TR-069 CPE, ACS,
RAN-NMS and OSS mobile environment.

Case #9: Greenfield mobile anyhaul

Region: APAC
Need: How to integrate.
Objective: Mobile operator using zero-touch fiber network for 5G transport.
Deployment: Altiplano-as-a-platform
Path: FTTH mobile transport deployment to 5G mmWave small cells with zero-touch ONT
installation, activation and OLT commissioning using Nokia SDAN with XGS-PON. One of
the key requirements is to rollout/commission the 5G cell sites faster in a pure plug and
play approach. The solution comprises Nokia SDAN controller integrated in a cloud native
architecture with common IT toolchains: ELK, Kafka, Prometheus. They get operational
simplicity with always-on zero touch operations.

13 White paper
The broadband network as a software platform
Conclusion
SDN/NFV represents a major shift in the communications and networking industries. When, what, and how
to implement virtualization and IT/cloud principles are challenges that deserve more up-front attention to
make the resulting achievements viable in the marketplace.
In this paper, we have made the case for building the broadband network as a software platform. It allows
fixed network operators to model traffic more predictably to business intent and take full control of their
network assets: wireless and wired access, cloud resources and network services.
With more than 250 cloud-ready customer deployments, Nokia has the ambition to be a leader in cloud-
based access, systems integration and advanced automation. We are uniquely positioned to pursue this
goal, leveraging a fixed networks portfolio with the greatest choice and flexibility, and many years of
broadband transformation expertise.
Nokia helps operators globally to automate and evolve their networks with modular and extensible
platforms. Our solutions enable operators to make the best use of SDN/NFV and supports the widest
range of software-defined use cases for automating, slicing, and programming the network. The
incremental cost to implement new use cases is only in the use of programming skills, not any additional
design, deployment and operations expenses. SDAN brings more agility to operator operations, drives
smarter decisions, and improves network performance.

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering the future where networks meet cloud to realize the full potential of digital in every industry.

Through networks that sense, think and act, we work with our customers and partners to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or trade names of their respective owners.

© 2023 Nokia

Nokia OYJ
Karakaari 7
02610 Espoo
Finland
Tel. +358 (0) 10 44 88 000

Document code: 424359 (February) CID210035