Unlocking new services with containerization

Unlocking new services with containerization

By Magnus Olden, CTO at Domos

Flexibility and security within the home network is sought after by service providers and is essential for end users. Creating a containerized environment and standardizing the implementation and management of third-party software within a container will allow these much-needed abilities to be accomplished. The path of widespread containerization also opens the door to rapid innovation and cost efficiency.

Containerization refers to the ability to unlock a new service by adding software to a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) without upgrading the firmware. Why would we want to do this? Well, as opposed to monolithic firmware, containerization makes it easier to maintain smaller code sets instead of large monolithic code sets inherent to firmware. Upgrading the CPE’s complete firmware can be a time-consuming and laborious task, but containerization allows a software upgrade to be added whilst circumventing any challenges.

What are the benefits?

Containerization means a faster time to market for new services. Typical firmware upgrade cycles range from 9 to 18 months if we consider the various steps such as gathering requirements, upgrading the monolithic firmware image, internal testing, customer testing, and phased roll-out to production. Containerized software, on the other hand, can be developed faster as there’s no need to worry about impacting other parts of the firmware. It can also be tested in a shorter timeframe as providers only need to test the functionality related to the containerized software itself, rather than the entire firmware.

Containerization also enables the distribution of third-party software components. By opening up the option of deploying software developed by vendors rather than the CPE vendor, the possibilities of available services and capabilities of existing hardware are also expanded.

There are also significant security advantages with containerization. As each container lives in its own sandbox with a pre-allocated set of resources (such as CPU, RAM, etc.) that it’s allowed to use, it can’t interfere with the other parts of the firmware.

What does the future look like?

The good news for end users is that they will benefit from a seamless integration of third-party software into their home networks via service delivery platforms like an app store. Essentially this means that they can upgrade their networks more easily and more efficiently.

In the short term, for example, if a subscriber goes to their operator’s web portal or mobile app, they may see a new Parental Control service being offered for $2.99 a month. When they request the new service, the operator’s remote management solution can install and activate the containerized software module on their home gateway.

In the longer term, if a subscriber wants a Parental Control solution for the house, they may open up the Home App Store on their TV and search through the various available Apps for Parental Control. Once they choose the one they want (based on features, ratings, and price), they can select the App and the home’s remote management solution installs and activates the containerized software module directly on their home gateway.

The future is near. An example of an app store on the CPE. Nokia’s CPE supports containerized apps from Ookla, NTOP and Domos.

Use case opportunities

The revenue benefits for operators are clear, too. As subscribers start to pay monthly or yearly fees for next-generation third-party services, new use cases and applications powered by virtualized service delivery will emerge. This will provide operators with additional opportunities to expand their revenue streams. Service providers that embrace virtualized services will be able to innovate quickly and unlock new market opportunities that have previously not been possible.

Examples include, but are by no means limited to, Security Suite applications, Parental Controls, Wi-Fi Optimization, Speed Tests and Home Protection. As we see a greater uptake of containerization, the possibilities of its effect on the integration of applications into the network are unlimited. We’ve also seen this potential manifested by the launch of 5G containerization platforms.

A collaboration between prpl Foundation and Broadband Forum, developing an “OpenRan of the home”, is exploring and defining ways of containerizing and remotely managing software. Broadband Forum has the understanding and expertise to know how to remotely manage devices, with the project extending the management protocol in such a way that it can also effectively and remotely manage containers.

For service providers looking to find out more about Broadband Forum’s work, join us at our ‘State of Broadband Summit’ from May 10-13. Find out more here: https://www.broadband-forum.org/meetings-and-events/the-state-of-broadband-summit