Open RAN and network virtualization

Open RAN and network virtualization


Open RAN and network virtualization strategies of MNOs

Open RAN and network virtualization are transformative technologies that are revolutionizing the mobile network industry. Particularly in the second half of 2020, the emergence of the Open RAN movement has gained significant momentum. Over the past three years, the industry has seen a remarkable shift in the adoption of these technologies.

This report provides an in-depth analysis that delves into the intricacies of the two technologies’ adoption in the market :

What is Open RAN and network virtualization? How have these technologies evolved?

What is the relationship between Open RAN and network virtualization? What is Open vRAN?
How are greenfield operators and brownfield operators adopting these technologies?
What are the market forecasts for the Open RAN market in 2028?


1. Executive summary
2. Convergence of Open RAN and network virtualization
2.1. Definition of Open RAN
2.2. Network virtualization: transforming operator business
2.3. Network virtualization
2.4. Open RAN deployment status
2.5. Evolution of telcos involved in virtualization
2.6. Convergence of Open RAN and network virtualization
3. From vRAN to Open vRAN
3.1. What is RAN?
3.2. Definition of virtualized RAN
3.3. vRAN and Edge computing
3.4. RAN evolution to open and virtualized RAN
3.5. Open vRAN ecosystem
4. MNO perspectives
4.1. Greenfield operators’ Open RAN and network virtualization strategies
4.2. Brownfield operators’ Open RAN and network virtualization strategies
4.3. Deutsche Telekom
4.4. DISH Wireless
4.5. NTT Docomo
4.6. Orange
4.7. Rakuten Mobile
4.8. Telefónica
4.9. Vodafone
5. Open RAN market size
Market sizing – Open RAN market 2022-2028
List of tables and figures
2. Convergence of Open RAN and network virtualization
Horizontal and vertical disaggregation of the RAN
Main pillars of Open RAN
Evolution of announced Open RAN trials and deployments (based on number of trial points)
3. From vRAN to Open vRAN
Components of a mobile antenna
Rakuten’s Open RAN ecosystem
Difference between conventional system and “a5G + MEC + vRAN”
4. MNO perspectives
Six components of Deutsche Telekom’s Open RAN strategy
Deutsche Telekom’s Open RAN vendor ecosystem
Different scenarios of Deutsche Telekom’s virtualized RAN deployment in the O-RAN Town
DISH Wireless Open RAN ecosystem
DISH Wireless’ virtualized RAN system
NTT Docomo’s Open vRAN strategy
NTT Docomo’s Open vRAN ecosystem
NTT Docomo’s Open RAN system architecture
Orange’s Open RAN vendor ecosystem
Rakuten’s Open RAN ecosystem
Rakuten’s vRAN architecture
Telefónica’s three-phases Open RAN strategy
Telefónica’s Open RAN vendor ecosystem
Telefónica’s adoption of a three-phase approach to UNICA implementation
Vodafone’s Open RAN vendor ecosystem
5. Open RAN market size
Evolution of the global RAN market, in billion EUR

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