5G promises improvements in speed, capacity, latency, and connected devices, but the network performance that subscribers—humans and machines—will actually experience ultimately depends on the Mobile Network Operator’s performance goals, supported applications, targeted subscriber base, technology limitations, financial constraints, and other interrelated factors. This means the mobile networking industry must stretch its aspirational performance goals and push technology to its physical limits. Ciena offers a complete, open solution, allowing MNOs and wholesale operators to build best-in-breed 5G networks for competitive advantage while enjoying a broader and more secure vendor supply chain.