Virtualized 5G RAN : why, when and how?
Summary
In order to realize the benefits of vRAN, the platform must be open and based on COTS hardware that is fully adopted by the cloud ecosystem with a large developer community supporting it. The goal for Ericsson will be to commercialize vRAN technologies through a new product portfolio to deliver radio networks with the flexibility and agility to meet tomorrow’s market requirements. Regardless of how virtualization is achieved, as the hardware and software are not necessarily aggregated by a network vendor, these systems will necessitate new business models with clearly defined accountability. System integration, whether managed by a RAN software supplier or a cloud infrastructure provider, will be crucial to ensure network performance and reliability. Ericsson is actively working – independently and within the ecosystem – to explore COTS-based platforms that bring higher efficiency, and also with harmonization and standardization of vRAN components and architectures to minimize the cost of system integration.