5G networks are the first mobile platforms specifically requiring separation of control plane and data plane functions; the first to require virtualization and also the first to require edge computing. 5G also is the first mobile network generation where mobile operators are shifting to hyperscale third parties for core network computing functions in the control plane as a practical matter, though the 5G standards so not require it.
Separation of the data plane from the control plane is a fundamental architectural principle of cloud-native communications networks. That, in turn, also applies to the ways connectivity service providers build their 5G networks, where it comes to management and control.
Separation of data and control planes is the foundation of virtualized networks, and since the 5G network is, by definition, virtualized, underpins all 5G core and access networks.
The control plane can be thought of as the signaling and routing functions of the network. The data plane is the part of the network that actually delivers and sends user data and content (sometimes known as the user plane, forwarding plane, carrier plane or bearer plane) is the part of a network that carries user traffic).
Separated control and data planes therefore underpin the role of computing resources within the connectivity providers’ network. The data plane physical network must connect every user. The control plane functions can be housed anywhere in the network where it makes sense.
The virtualization principle also creates the value of edge computing. From a service provider perspective, control plane separation allows less capital investment in firmware and hardware, as control and processing logic and functions can happen at fewer locations.
In the mobile access network, that means separating radios from baseband signal processing units, allowing many fewer of the latter to be purchased and used.
The 5G control plane also requires edge computing, though. Some service provider control logic remains near the physical network edge, but not at the absolute physical edge, or the radio transmission edge.
In other words, the 5G network requires edge computing, simply to supply control plane functions.
Similar considerations apply to the data plane. Some applications will require very-fast processing. So there will be a necessity, not simply an advantage, to having computing take place as close to the end user device as possible (economically and computationally).
We might debate whether edge computing is an example of “data plane” or the “control plane.” Some of us would say edge computing is “data plane,” since it is a necessary part of processing end user requests and data, in the same way that remote cloud computing requests provide data plane (end user applications) functions.
The bottom line is that 5G networks, and presumably all to follow, will use edge computing as a principle of the control plane and data plane functions.
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