5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Architecture (5G Core, Data Management (UDM+UDR+FE+AUSF), Policy Control & Charging (PCF+BSF+CHF)), By Use Care (Mobile Broadband, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The global 5G core service-based architecture (SBA) market is valued at US$1,861.173 million for 2022.

GROWTH DRIVERS

• Cloud-Native key to 5G SBA

The fifth generation of mobile networks, as defined by 3GPP, introduces a novel core network built upon an open and modular service platform known as the Service-Based Architecture (SBA). SBA offers a cloud-native service framework in which essential mobile core network functions, such as authentication and mobility management, are handled by self-contained software applications called Network Functions (NFs). These NFs can be executed on off-the-shelf hardware within cloud infrastructure and communicate with other authorized NFs through service-based interfaces (SBIs), facilitated by APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Service providers have the capability to develop an SBA (Service-Based Architecture) using a cloud-native solution built on microservices. This cloud-native approach offers precise capacity provisioning, which is vital for 5G as it enables providers to allocate resources based on average rather than peak demand, leading to enhanced efficiency.

For instance:

• In May 2021, DISH Wireless chose Oracle to implement a Service-Based Architecture (SBA) for its 5G core as it pioneers a cloud-based approach to building a 5G network. Oracle's 5G core control plane adheres to the principles of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and incorporates network functions designed to support operator automation and scalability, addressing the anticipated surge in 5G subscribers and connected devices.
• In December 2021, Nokia revealed that KDDI, a Japanese telecom operator, had opted for Nokia's 5G Core and Converged Charging software to facilitate its shift toward a completely automated, cloud-native 5G Core framework. Nokia's open 5G Core architecture provides KDDI with the adaptability needed to meet market requirements, improve operational efficiency, and unleash vital features like network slicing while managing expenses effectively.

5G SBA drives services

To accommodate the evolving requirements of a broad range of industries and their diverse service needs, a new 5G system architecture (5GS) has been introduced, incorporating 5G New Radio (NR) access and a novel 5G core network (5GC). This modern 5G system and core network aim to efficiently manage varied services while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The Service-Based Architecture (SBA) plays a crucial role by providing service-oriented functions, interfaces, and operations within the core network control plane, allowing the 5G network to effectively cater to the service demands of diverse vertical industries with extensive applications.

In October 2022, Verizon shifted its commercial traffic to its 5G core, transitioning customer traffic to the innovative cloud-native, containerized core design. This new core architecture, founded on a Service-Based Architecture, encompasses software applications, computing resources, networking, and storage, enhancing service agility and scalability.

Increasing Deployment of 5G Standalone Architecture

The standalone 5GC, at the core of the 5G standalone architecture, maximizes SBA's potential, improving the user experience and creating economic opportunities for telcos. The 5G Core Network (5GC) plays a vital role in unleashing 5G's full potential, enabling various business applications like factory automation, smart cities, autonomous driving, and healthcare. This empowers operators to generate new revenue streams.

According to the GSA October 5G Standalone 2023 report, a total of 121 operators in 55 countries and territories worldwide investing in public 5G Standalone (SA) networks. Among them, 47 operators in 27 countries have already launched or deployed public 5G SA networks, including two soft-launches. Additionally, 21 operators are in the process of deploying or piloting 5G SA for public networks, while 49 operators are planning, evaluating, testing, or trialling this technology. This data indicates the growing momentum in the adoption of 5G SA networks across the globe.

EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 5G core service-based architecture (SBA) market

Network Slices & the Service-Based Architecture

The Service-Based Architecture (SBA) incorporates network slicing within the 5G Core (5GC), providing insights into application scenarios. Network slicing, a key capability in 5G, offers deployment flexibility and efficient resource utilization for various network services and applications. SBA's design enables network slicing, allowing multiple logical networks on a single physical network. It also supports plug-and-play of network functions (NFs) by software vendors, simplifies operations with APIs, and facilitates seamless integration of third-party vendor applications with the core network.

In October 2023, Deutsche Telekom and Mavenir revealed progress in leveraging 5G standalone network slicing for monetization. They announced two projects aimed at advancing the opportunities made possible by 5G standalone network slicing, with the support of Mavenir's cloud-native Converged Packet Core. These initiatives align with Deutsche Telekom's business goals for 5G Standalone by enabling dynamic network slicing.

GEOGRAPHICAL PRESENCE

In July 2023, Elisa achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first European service provider to implement the In-Service Software Upgrade capability on a live production 5G Standalone (SA) network. This network is powered by Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core solution, which is fully cloud-native and utilizes container-based deployment with Kubernetes orchestration.

MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE MARKET

Several key players in the market, including Oracle, Mavenir, Ericsson and others, offer a wide range of product offerings, which encompass:

5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market Scope: 

SEGMENTATION

The global 5G core service-based architecture (SBA) market is has been analyzed through the following segments:

• By Architecture
  • 5G Core
  • Data Management (UDM+UDR+FE+AUSF)
  • Policy Control & Charging (PCF+BSF+CHF)
• By Use Care
  • Mobile Broadband
  • Others
• By Geography
  • Americas
    • United States
    • Others
  • EMEA
    • Germany
    • UK
    • Others
  • APAC
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Others