Over the past decade, the telecom industry has witnessed significant changes, all thanks to new technologies, business models, and digital transformation. One of those major changes is the industry’s shift towards disaggregated and open network architectures, with open RAN (ORAN) playing a key role in this transformation.
But what exactly is ORAN? And how is it different from the conventional methods of deploying radio access network infrastructure? In this blog post, we’ll take you to the realm of ORAN, explaining to you the basics and the working of the network architecture. Also, we’ll shed light on the benefits of adopting the ORAN architecture. Continue reading!
Did you know that the emergence of network virtualization and cloud integration is driving increased demand for ORAN? According to the latest market research study on ORAN, the open radio access network market is projected to reach USD 54,032.29 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 34.5% during 2025–2034.
Basic Primer on Working of Networks
Before delving into the basics of ORAN, it’s useful to have an understanding of the workings of networks and their evolution through various generations.
A mobile network is made up of two domains: the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Core Network (Core). The RAN is the visible part of the network that connects devices like smartphones through radio waves. It is made up of radio base stations with large antennas for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The core is responsible for several functions, including authenticating users, connecting users to the internet, routing phone calls, and managing user information.
Cellular networks have undergone rapid evolution since they were first digitized for creating 2G. And each generation of networks has witnessed significant changes in complexity. While network operators could always have separate vendors for the core network and the RAN, the idea was shelved to add overall functional capability. As such, current solutions make it challenging to mix vendors for the baseband unit and the radio. ORAN aims to transform this by enabling operators to mix and match components.
Opening Radio Access Network
Given the ever-evolving nature of the telecommunications industry, today’s operators seek a diverse ecosystem of vendors. As a result, many operators have redefined their needs for the network architecture.
ORAN breaks down the traditional RAN architecture into three modular components: distributed unit (DU), centralized unit (CU), and radio unit (RU).
The DU is a server-based processing unit responsible for handling real-time radio access functions, including modulation, demodulation, and data decoding and encoding. Also, it’s responsible for handling the lower layers of the radio stack and interaction with the RU.
The CU has the function of overseeing the higher levels of the protocol stack. Also, it facilitates data flow within the network. The CU plays a vital role in making strategic network decisions, such as user mobility and management.
In ORAN, the RU is responsible for handling radio frequency processing, including signal modulation, amplification, and digital-analog conversion. It connects the base station and core network to end users. Besides, the RU converts digital data into radio signals and vice versa.
Advantages of Open Radio Access Network
There are several benefits of ORAN, including:
Cost Savings: ORAN lowers the cost associated with deploying and maintaining mobile networks by simplifying network management. Also, it takes away the need for costly proprietary hardware and enables operators to source components from various vendors.
Flexibility and Scalability: Another major benefit of ORAN is its flexibility and scalability. With ORAN, operators can easily scale and optimize their network resources to meet their specific requirements.
Interoperability: ORAN promotes interoperability by supporting equipment from different vendors. That way, network operators can easily mix and match components from different vendors.
Enhanced Security: With ORAN, operators can implement advanced cybersecurity measures. Also, they can respond to threats by using the same processes and technologies used in other sectors. By leveraging the advances made in these sectors, telecom operators can effectively secure their highly advanced systems.
Future-proofing: The open interface and software-driven architecture of ORAN enables operators to easily upgrade their networks. Also, they can seamlessly integrate new technologies into their networks.
Improved Resiliency and Innovation: ORAN can improve the resiliency of networks and lead to faster innovation.
Limitations of Open Radio Access Network
As with any other technology and network infrastructure, ORAN has its own set of challenges. These include:
Limited Adoption: One of the major challenges faced by ORAN is its limited adoption by big players in the industry.
Increased Complexity: The mult-vendor RAN model increases the complexity of the network environment, making it difficult to identify and isolate issues.
Increased Threat Surface Areas: ORAN brings several vendors into a network, thereby increasing the threat surface areas.
Improving Service Quality
In conclusion, ORAN is a non-proprietary architecture for cellular infrastructure that enables interoperability between equipment from different vendors. The network architecture enhances flexibility and scalability, reduces costs, and improves service quality. Also, it fosters a more competitive and innovative ecosystem. As the technology becomes more solid and mature, the adoption of ORAN is anticipated to rise in the upcoming years.
