Comcast recently announced the deployment of its 5G mobile packet core, built by Nokia, entirely on AWS public cloud infrastructure. This milestone highlights the maturity of running 5G core functions on AWS without extensive experimentation or complex engineering setups. So, now let us see Is 5G Core Just Another Cloud Workload Now along with Reliable LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & Cellular RF drive test equipment and Reliable Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools in detail.
AWS Evolution for Telecom Network Functions
Since launching services like Amazon S3 and Amazon EC2 in 2006, AWS has consistently expanded to accommodate diverse workloads. In 2018, AWS began working on supporting telecom network workloads, such as containerized network functions (CNFs). Achieving this required new deployment models outside AWS regions, close collaboration with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), and enhancing services like Amazon EC2, Amazon EKS, and Amazon VPC.
To meet the demands of telecom networks, AWS developed a continuum of infrastructure services, spanning from core regions to edge locations with AWS Local Zones and AWS Outposts. ISVs were integral in refactoring network software to align with cloud-native principles, such as horizontal scaling, operational efficiency, and robust security.
Early Trials to Full-Scale Networks
Initial trials included an LTE packet core gateway on AWS Outposts in December 2018. These experiments evolved into production networks, starting with Dish Wireless in 2021. Dish Wireless leveraged AWS to deploy a fully cloud-native 5G network, covering 70% of the U.S. by mid-2023. Key components included AWS Direct Connect and strategic deployment across AWS regions and Local Zones.
In 2024, O2 Telefónica migrated its 5G core to AWS, reusing existing infrastructure while adopting cloud-native architecture. The process validated AWS’s capability to support rapid network implementations with minimal engineering involvement. Comcast’s recent deployment further showcases AWS’s agility and adaptability, enabling rapid production within months.
Security and Compliance Measures
Telecom networks operate under stringent regulatory environments. AWS addressed these challenges by enhancing its security posture, including independent assessments by NCC Group. The AWS Key Management Service (KMS) External Key Store (XKS) was introduced to support encryption key management outside AWS infrastructure, ensuring data sovereignty.
To further meet European regulatory demands, AWS announced the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. This cloud operates independently within the EU, ensuring that only EU-resident AWS employees manage its operations.
Expanding Cloud Use Cases for Telecom
AWS’s cloud architecture allows telecom providers to explore new use cases, such as multi-tenant 5G core SaaS deployments. WG2, a Cisco company, offers a fully cloud-native mobile core on AWS, enabling MVNOs to deploy 5G networks with minimal effort. In 2023, Mobi launched a nationwide MVNO service using this architecture.
The cloud’s elasticity also supports cost-efficient disaster recovery (DR) and high availability (HA) scenarios. Network functions can dynamically scale in response to on-premise failures, ensuring uninterrupted service.
AWS-Specific Innovations
AWS’s in-house development of custom silicon, such as the Graviton chips, has significantly enhanced network function performance. Graviton instances, based on ARM architecture, offer superior price-performance ratios and energy efficiency. Telco providers like NTT DOCOMO have reported up to 70% power savings using Graviton instances.
Nokia has also optimized its RAN stack on Graviton instances, achieving substantial performance gains.
Conclusion
AWS has evolved to support telecom workloads at the scale, reliability, and security required by 5G networks. With deployments spanning Dish Wireless, Telefónica, and Comcast, AWS continues to push the boundaries of cloud-native telecom solutions. By leveraging advanced architectures, compliance measures, and silicon innovations, AWS enables telcos to achieve operational efficiency, scalability, and agility in their network deployments.
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