Are you a network operator facing the complex challenges of efficiently managing network functions? Azure Operator Nexus is Microsoft’s new offering to resolve the growing complexity of cloud network interfaces! Unlike Azure IaaS Networking Solutions, Operator Nexus has a unique approach to revolutionizing how operators manage and optimize their networks.
“The managed hybrid cloud platform of Operator Nexus supports carrier-grade network workloads with the support of control plane and user plane deployments on Azure or On-premises.”
Organizations seeking a comprehensive solution that leverages cutting-edge technologies for enhanced network performance should look no further – Microsoft’s latest innovation, Operator Nexus, is here! Keep reading to build mission-critical mobile networks with the carrier-grade cloud platform of Operator Nexus.
Overview Of Azure Operator Nexus Features & Capabilities
Operator Nexus is a carrier-grade Azure Platform for modernizing mission-critical mobile network applications. The hybrid platform of Operator Nexus simplifies the provisioning and optimization of new network services as functions for on-prem or cloud-based applications. Here are Operator Nexus’ top features and capabilities:
Scale Next-Gen 5G Networks
Operator Nexus offers a unified Azure experience that can seamlessly deploy, manage, and operate 5G workloads. It has API-based access control capabilities that help operators streamline networking operations with network functions. It also reduces the TCO or total cost of ownership.
Network Fabric Automation
Microsoft Azure Operator Nexus feature enables operators to build and manage carrier-grade Azure Network Fabric. It can execute automated network functions like bootstrapping, application policy management, lifecycle management, and tenant workload creation. It provides a single control point with end-to-end visibility across Operator Nexus’s network fabric and host tenant workloads.
Azure Lockbox
Operator Nexus comes with the Azure Lockbox that provides an additional layer of operational control over the data usage in Azure. Azure Lockbox either approves or denies the access request based on the existing data on Azure. If Microsoft support engineers require access, the customers have complete control to approve/reject the data access requests.
Enhanced AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service)
Operator Nexus brings Azure Kubernetes Service for on-premises with specific extensions to optimize the creation and deployment of containerized applications. The AKS feature extension can host various tenant network function workloads. It improves the availability and resilience of the cluster by isolating the workload performance.
Operations Enhancement With AI-Based Analytics
Network operations can create a closed-loop network automation environment using Operator Nexus and capturing required application data. Further, operators can conduct prescriptive analytics with its AI/ML features. It simplifies the network reconfiguration process with better operational efficiency.
SecOps Capabilities To Secure Networks
Azure Operator Nexus has top-notch Microsoft SecOps (Security Operations) capabilities, including threat detection, network monitoring, and protection features. Its end-to-end risk and compliance management capabilities assist operators in protecting the hybrid platform solution. Further, operators can utilize the fine-grained RBAC capabilities for compliance management. Also, Operator Nexus gets easily integrated with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and ensures smooth business operations.
Network Packet Broker
The Network Packet Broker offers an easy of capturing and aggregating network traffic. With NPB, operators can easily monitor complex networks and troubleshoot different service problems. NPB also helps developers meet the regulatory requirements of organizations to maintain optimal-level network performance.
Placement Control Of Network Functions
This feature of Azure Operator Nexus gives operators more control over workloads deployment within the AKS cluster. Operator Nexus also supports Azure Monitor and other services. So operators can easily send/receive data using Azure Operator Insights and Log Analytics Workspace.
AOSM or Azure Operator Service Manager
The AOSM feature of Operator Nexus can modernize the Service Management experience. ASOM simplifies the multi-part and multi-vendor service management process across various hybrid cloud sites and Azure regions. AOSM also provides a single management experience with its automation-enriched cognitive services.
Multiple Deployment Modes Of Operator Nexus
Microsoft Azure Operator supports hybrid workloads. The two main deployment models:
- On-premises: Operators buy the infrastructure hardware from Microsoft partners for the On-premises deployment model.
- Public Region: Microsoft supports the underlying infrastructure for the Public Region deployment model. So the Operator only consumes cloud resources based on demand.
TCO For Deploying Operator Nexus
Microsoft is yet to reveal the pricing model for Operator Nexus. However, this hybrid platform can rescue costs in several ways:
- Reduce the cost of platform maintenance
- Maintain the cost of platform development
- Save operational time and resources
- Use automation for centralizing cloud efficiencies
- Decrease the cost of cloud Azure CNF testing
- Minimize third-party licensing costs
According to Analysys Mason, deploying a 5GSA cloud-native network using Operator Nexus is much more affordable than the TCO of the DIY private-cloud model. The Operator Nexus on-premises model has a TCO for 5GSA cloud-native deployments of 38% lower than the private-cloud DIY model.
Azure Ecosystem Support With Operator Nexus Ready Program
Operator Nexus Ready program delivers a supportive ecosystem of certified network functions. The program leverages the Azure Operator Service Manager to offer a consistent network deployment experience. The ecosystem also supports the deployment of both VNFs and CNFs using multiple Network Function vendors. However, the Operator Nexus Ready program certifies the network function through Azure. Otherwise, operators can use the Nexus Ready catalog to form the 5G network functions. The Azure Operator Nexus Ready program has the following advantages:
- Operators can reduce NF interoperability issues using the Nexus Platform
- The program validates multi-vendor network functions proactively
- Operators can improve NF agility with continuous delivery
- The program supports feature upgrades using the Operator Network
- NEPs or network equipment providers can minimize infrastructure costs
- Operators can eliminate the pre-certification requirements
The program also includes system integrators to deliver both vertical and horizontal cloud integration services
The Potential Of Operator Nexus In Practical Scenarios
AT&T, a trailblazer in the telecommunications landscape, has chosen Operator Nexus as the foundation for its groundbreaking 5G Near Edge network functions. This strategic decision marks a significant leap forward in network management and underscores the transformative capabilities of the platform. Now, AT&T is free from the burdensome operational complexities of cloud management. Instead, AT&T continues concentrating on its core competencies of catering to robust networking solutions. AT&T’s seamless transition with Operator Nexus marks a momentous achievement in the ongoing collaboration between AT&T and Microsoft.
What’s Next For Microsoft Operator Nexus?
Microsoft Azure is continuously upgrading Operator Nexus with better features and capabilities. So the future of Azure Operator Nexus is very bright! The hybrid platform is currently helping operators modernize complex networks with communication workloads. Operator Nexus is a future-ready service from Microsoft that drives scalability. In the future, the ecosystem of operator Nexus will continue to expand with more network providers and functions. Certainly, operators will release smaller form factors to support the unique network workload needs!
FAQs
#1 How does Operator Nexus work?
Operator Nexus employs certified off-the-shelf hardware like servers, switches, and storage arrays to support hybrid network workloads. Operators follow the prerequisite requirements of Azure’s management system. It supports on-premises and cloud instances. Azure Resource Manager ensures a uniform experience. Azure Resource Providers handle Nexus resources, while controllers manage functions like bootstrapping and upgrades. Operator Nexus seamlessly integrates with Azure services like Monitor and Container Registry. ExpressRoute links Azure and operators’ locations for network connectivity. Thus Microsoft Azure Operator executes its core functionalities.
#2 Which applications do Operator Nexus support?
The Operator Nexus Ready program supports virtual network functions (VNF) for core mobile networking requirements. It also supports CNF or containerized network functions alongside mobility and gateway functions. It provides additional features of subscriber management and policy management. Operators can integrate these network functions and deploy other custom network functions.
#3 What are the benefits of Operator Nexus?
Operator Nexus offers the following advantages:
- Reduced operational complexity as operators can manage their infrastructure with the built-in features of Operator Nexus.
- Operator Nexus enables easy computing and network resource provisioning with the end-to-end (E2E) platform.
- The hybrid platform with Microsoft’s partners supports a broad Network Function (NF) ecosystem.
- Operator Nexus allows easy integration with various Azure Services for seamless accessibility.
- Operators get a unified governance and compliance platform for managing their hybrid infrastructure.
#4 Can Azure Consultants help me with Operator Nexus setup?
Indeed, the Best Azure Consulting Companies can assist you in implementing Operator Nexus. From initial configuration to ongoing support, the experienced consultants bring deep expertise in Azure technologies to perform a seamless deployment activity of Operator Nexus.
#5 How does an operator deploy Azure Operator Nexus on-premises?
Microsoft outlines Azure Operator Nexus’s hardware, topology, and Azure connectivity. Operators then buy and set up the hardware in their nearby data center, connecting it to Azure. The platform offers self-service deployment with effortless cloud software installation.
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