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Driving Connectivity Forward - Radisys' Role in the Open RAN and Small Cells Landscape - TeckNexus

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FROM LEGACY RAN TO OPEN RAN: AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE Traditional RAN architectures were based on the Distributed Radio Access Network (D-RAN) model. Here, Baseband Units (BBUs) and Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) were proprietary and usually co-located at the same cell site. The move towards a Centralized RAN (C-RAN) saw the creation of a "centralized BBU pool." However, the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI)-based fronthaul struggled to meet the capacity and performance requirements of 5G networks. Both D-RAN and C-RAN architectures come with high operating expenses (Opex), underutilization of RAN resources, and limited deployment flexibility for 5G. Cloud RAN, or C-RAN, emerged as a solution to these challenges. It built upon the centralization concept by running virtualized baseband functions on Commercial Off-The- Shelf (COTS) server hardware. This model leveraged Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) to create a more flexible and scalable architecture. The Cloud RAN paradigm gradually evolved into Open RAN, expanding on openness and embedded intelligence principles. The openness in the architecture facilitated multi-vendor deployments, reducing vendor lock-in and promoting competition. The embedded intelligence leveraged advanced technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate operational network functions, further reducing operational costs. Overall, Open RAN represents a substantial progression in RAN architectures, offering benefits in terms of cost, flexibility, and performance. Open RAN is poised to play a pivotal role in 5G deployments and beyond by embracing open standards and intelligent functionalities. 5G MAGAZINE | #06

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