Making the case for the true costs, benefits and risks of disaggregation in CSP IP networks

FREE PERSPECTIVE

In this perspective, we discuss the key findings of Analysys Mason’s total cost of ownership (TCO) study that analyzes the capex and opex requirements for the implementation of a modular chassis (scale-up) and a range of disaggregated routing architecture for communications service provider (CSP) IP core networks. We built a 5-year TCO model based on the real-life cost and traffic parameters of a large Tier-1 CSP’s network in a developed market. We also assessed the operational processes and cost implications of a range of network disaggregation scenarios based on our interviews with several CSPs and ecosystem players. 

Our research and TCO model indicate that network disaggregation is not currently inherently better than other architectural approaches in terms of TCO. CSPs’ architectural choices depend on many factors, including the particular network domain under consideration and the CSP’s larger business and operational objectives.