Network edge architecture
The network core, as depicted in Figure 4.4, is the infrastructure that runs and supports all the devices in an enterprise’s internal network. It is one of two major components in a wireless telecommunication network. The network edge is a collection of servers and devices that connect the company’s internal network to the internet. It can be on-premises or in the cloud.
Chapter 3 described the differences between legacy IoT-type architecture and cloud-native architecture. Telcos have a lot of legacy infrastructure and make extensive use of VMs on proprietary hardware in the compute layer. Part of their modernization journey includes the use of container technology running on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. As they adopt newer technologies, telcos and CSPs see the need to support some existing legacy systems as well as inject new technology. This blend of old and new technologies shows up in network edge architectures. Let’...
