Recent commercial deployments of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technologies represent a new era marked by openness, disaggregation and immense growth potential for CSPs. Open RAN deployments are expected to gain pace after 2025, with an estimated 1.3 million Open RAN cell sites deployed by the end of the decade.[1] Open RAN and cloudification are pivotal to the overarching telco transformation strategy aimed at breaking down networks into more manageable, agile and scalable components. The separation of hardware from software, the softwarization of the network functions, and the impetus on standardization, interoperability, modularity and so on, across various interfaces and components, has made the journey promising for end-users and operators.
Open RAN is an innovative approach to building mobile networks that promotes the use of open and interoperable interfaces, allowing components from different vendors to work together seamlessly without impacting performance parameters. It aims to increase flexibility, accelerate time to market, reduce costs and foster innovation by enabling a more competitive and diverse supplier ecosystem in the telecommunications industry. This is vital for modern-day operators to achieve growth – by driving down operational and capital expenditures within the networking ecosystem, augmenting revenue streams through new use case, and so on.
The essence of Open RAN lies in its capacity to enable disaggregated networks without compromising on quality or performance. Disaggregation allows hardware and software components to be sourced, updated and managed independently. This approach breaks the traditional model where network functions and hardware are tightly integrated, typically by a single vendor. This is especially required during deployments of massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technologies. Massive MIMO, a technology that helps send and receive more data at once, is integral to 5G/Edge networks yet can be complex to implement. Open RAN allows for aggregating the best hardware and software components (interoperability being a major dealbreaker in traditional networks). CSPs can efficiently and flexibly integrate Massive MIMO into their network because of Open RAN, ensuring high network performance while eliminating vendor lock-ins.
The broader attack surface of Open RAN necessitates a security-first approach in network design, emphasizing the importance of robust processes and operations over technical safety measures alone. Furthermore, the integration of Machine Learning (ML) within Radio Intelligence Controllers (RICs) marks a significant advancement, enabling sophisticated data extraction and processing for better decision-making. The evolution of RICs underscores a shift towards more intelligent, data-driven network operations from Edge to Core.
In the Open RAN ecosystem, interoperability and standardization are key needs that ensure different network components and systems can work together seamlessly, regardless of their manufacturer. For Open RAN to truly succeed, it’s essential that industry-wide standards are set (rather than optional) and followed diligently. This will facilitate a more competitive and innovative market by allowing more vendors to participate and ensure that portability is smooth and efficient. However, the need for further standardization and harmonization across the ecosystem persists. The shift towards a more standardized, plug-and-play architecture will require time, collaborative effort and a shared commitment to overcoming interoperability challenges among different RICs and applications.
Open RAN promises to revolutionize how CSPs conduct business by overcoming complexities, pushing the envelope on standardization, and promoting an environment ripe for agile innovation. The adoption of zero-touch provisioning and the streamlining of processes is paramount to achieve this. Zero-touch automation is crucial, particularly with the complexity and scale introduced by technologies like 5G and Open RAN. The goal is to increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance the reliability and performance of the network. Automation and orchestration platforms like Rakuten Cloud are designed to support the need for zero-touch deployment and management of telecommunications networks by leveraging advanced automation to streamline operations – from deployment to lifecycle management and network optimization.
Open RAN adoption is marked by unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation and operational efficiency within the telecom industry. The focus on vendor diversity, security, standardization, interoperability and all-round operational transformation will be key to unlocking the full potential of Open RAN technologies. The industry's collective efforts to address these emerging challenges will pave the way for a more open, efficient and innovative telecommunications ecosystem.
Greenfield projects are ideal for leveraging Open RAN’s full potential, allowing for the deployment of innovative, flexible and cost-efficient networks right from the start. On the other hand, brownfield deployments enable operators to modernize their networks, improve flexibility and reduce costs while continuing to serve their current customer base. Rakuten Symphony's utilization of its Telco Cloud platform to facilitate Open RAN deployments demonstrates how Open RAN can be effectively integrated into new or existing networks, showcasing significant advancements in network efficiency and performance.
For operators interested in learning more about how Open RAN can revolutionize their telecommunications infrastructures, further information is readily available. Connect with us to learn more.
The following article is based on a recent conversation between Rakuten Symphony’s Geoff Hollingworth and industry leaders at the Fierce Wireless 5G Blitz event. Watch the full discussion on demand.
