Overview:

Next generation 5G mobile technology will place unprecedented demands on the scalability, efficiency and flexibility of the Radio Access Network (RAN) which has led to a radical rethink of the entire RAN architecture. This report provides an overview of C-RAN technology, outlines the benefits and challenges of implementing an open RAN architecture for both 4G LTE and 5G networks and discusses the key technical challenges and unresolved issues facing the industry. 

Table of Contents:

• Snapshot
• Key Planning Assumptions
• Introduction
• Open RAN Standards
  • Open RAN Alliance (O-RAN)
  • TIP OpenRAN Group
• RAN Architectures
  • The Fronthaul Challenge:
  • Baseband Virtualization Options - Physical versus Virtual
• Technical Challenges
• Viewpoint

Number of Pages: 12
Author: Gareth Owen
Published date: February, 2020