Implementando service mesh no contexto do núcleo 5G

Abstract

5G technology represents a significant advance in the evolution of mobile networks, with the introduction of the new service-based architecture (SBA). This paper explores the fundamental elements of the 5G core, highlighting the differences in relation to 4G and describing its main components. The complexity of the 5G architecture presents several operational challenges. This study investigates these complexities and demonstrates how service mesh technology offers a robust solution, facilitating communication between services, increasing security and providing observability. The transition from virtual machines (VMs) to containers is analyzed, with an emphasis on the role of cloud-native functions and the importance of Kubernetes in the orchestration of these infrastructures. The practical implementation of a service mesh using Istio in conjunction with open5GS demonstrates the benefits of this technology, including the optimization of network administration and the scalable and secure delivery of services in the dynamic environment of 5G. The results obtained indicate a more efficient and manageable network, with significant improvements in security and resilience, also including the analysis of the negative aspects of this type of implementation.