The document discusses the concept of "Large Scale Convergence" or LSC in 5G networks. LSC refers to scaling up performance metrics, spectrum usage, technologies, operations and management in 5G. It will be defined by the convergence of new dimensions and abstractions. Key technologies that enable LSC include ONAP for network automation, MEC for low latency services, VNFs/SDNs for flexibility, and 3GPP North Bound APIs for standardized integration of services. LSC provides a comprehensive framework to deliver application-defined connectivity across heterogeneous networks through abstraction and harmonization across the 5G ecosystem.

1. Thought Leadership – Techblog, by Saurabh Verma from fundarc-comm(xgnlab)
LSC – Large Scale Convergence, a 5G way.
5G is about many things, but intrinsic nature of everything’s there would be "scaling up", whether it
be performance KPIs, uses of spectrum, more technology accommodation, operation, management
or orchestrations , all need to be scaled up, and that is something about "large scale convergence" or
LSC. 5G will be all about convergence, it will be defined by it and it will define it too, new dimensions,
large abstractions etc. etc. , we call it “Large scale convergence” or LSC.
As from industry view, Boingo CTO says, “Beware…convergence is the future! Ubiquitous 5G is not
economically practical without coexistence between licensed, unlicensed and shared. Mobile
connectivity is no longer a device, it’s a lifestyle so we must embrace converged solutions that
leverage multiple bands and technologies”.
5G is also being seen as the catalyst for industry 4.0, i.e. new industrial revolution, which will
essentially set the paradigm of “Everywhere and Everything Connectivity”. This ‘large scale
phenomena’ will not appear in a sudden, it will take approaches to form.
So how 5G will evolve, it will go through two separate approaches altogether. let me take the
nomenclature form algorithmic world.
1 A greedy approach, an approach focus to solve the specific problem.
2. Dynamic approach, an approach, generic in sense and address the problem with large vision.
Greedy approaches will move there at beginning first and will keep continuing with new applications,
early approaches take footage during 2018-2022, like 5G in fixed wireless, LTE assisted network.
Dynamic approach will be the real transformation into a complete system of 5G. This is where the
concept of ‘large scale convergence’ or LSC comes from. The real period of focus will go from 2020
to 2025.
LSC “Large scale convergence” is not about the convergence of different technology only, in terms of
technical interworking, but a comprehensive frame work which will allow and enable to deliver the
service as per the requirement of various applications. It is about providing the end user what they
need based on their requirements and applicability of 5G networks. There was an eminent need for a
right platform to create such framework.
The technologies, which going to make this LSC possible are emerging fast and being adopted by
ecosystem players across the globe. These technologies are those one’s which providing
harmonization among ecosystem players, and much required facilitation for convergence. These
are….

2. Thought Leadership – Techblog, by Saurabh Verma from fundarc-comm(xgnlab)
ONAP
ONAP (Open Network Automation Platform) is an open source software platform that delivers
capabilities for the design, creation, orchestration, monitoring, and life cycle management of
Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), carrier-scale Software Defined Networks (SDNs), higher-level
services that combine the above. Being under the ownership of Linux Foundation and originally the
ECOMP from AT&T, it provides automatic, policy-driven interaction of these functions and services in
a dynamic, real-time cloud environment. ONAP is not just a run-time platform; it includes graphical
design tools for function/service creation.
ONAP essentially provides harmonized development, service orchestration, and continuous life cycle
management.
VNF
Virtual network functions and Software defined networks brings the required adoptability. The need
is for right framework for their harmonization and interoperability. A well orchestrated network can
cater the large scale abstraction from the application demand. So the vendor should care for it in the
development of VNF and SDNs.
MEC
MEC is the kingpin in facilitation of this “large scale convergence”, in fact we think that MEC will be
defined through that as well. The point is that, VNF and MEC will act like a suit for upcoming 5G
architecture.
MEC brings application specific affinity in the 5G, which going to be application defined network any
way. This application specific affinity is much demanding point for large scale convergence.
Also virtualization is required End to End, for economical as well as political reasons. Those are also
kind of factor going to define and place MEC.
3GPP North Bound APIs
A Northbound API is an interface between an Application Server and the 3GPP system via specified
Functions in a mobile operator’s network. To realize standardized integration of services with diverse
service providers, northbound APIs provide for interaction at the application layer. This makes it
possible for mobile network operators to offer a wide range of services beyond prevalent teleservices
- voice calls, SMS and data service. Those services can be exposed within the operator network or to
third parties in other networks.
Standardization of northbound API is already there, in 3GPP Release 14, the “eMBMS Delivery of
Media and TV Services” feature provide broadcasters with the ability to directly integrate their
services with mobile network operators over standardized interfaces to the 3GPP system. Aslo in

3. Thought Leadership – Techblog, by Saurabh Verma from fundarc-comm(xgnlab)
Release 15, 3GPP will include functionality to directly expose Cellular IoT and MTC capabilities via
northbound APIs.
3GPP is also working for Common API Framework (FS_CAPIF), focusing on common aspects of
northbound APIs. Mainly about architectural aspects such as registration, discovery and identity
management that generally apply to all services. Common API Framework Functions could be
achieved uniformly for such capabilities as Service API discovery, monitoring and charging.
FS_CAPIF takes into account both the work ongoing within 3GPP as well as frameworks defined by
other organizations. It aims to provide recommendations for specific architectural solutions that can
subsequently be standardized.
Back to LSC
 LSC is about the felicitation to make 5G – Application defined network.
 LSC provide – homogeneous connectivity through heterogeneous networks, an E2E defined
paradigm incorporating multiple access technologies.
 LSC is about to have a comprehensive E2E approach while setting 5G network.
 LSC facilitate required abstraction to address versatile dimensions of various applications.
 LSC is a felicitation to define the 5G landscape and network slicing.
Figure1: A canonical view of large scale convergence, LSC Layer.
MEC
LSC
3GPP NB API
ONAP
Core
Licensed
Unlicensed
CBRS