Emergence of Open RAN Architectures for 5G Deployments: Hype or Reality?

Emergence of Open RAN Architectures for 5G Deployments: Hype or Reality?

This IDC Market Perspective explores the momentum behind Open RAN, the umbrella term for a set of new network architectures that effectively disaggregate the radio access network (RAN) and herald a marked shift away from the traditional architectures behind network design and rollout. The document focuses on definitions and identifies the key drivers and challenges for Open RAN, as well as the expanding ecosystem that is emerging around these new technologies. "Open RAN has momentum and the next several years will see global carriers adopting Open RAN as part of their network strategy. That said, there are challenges still to overcome for Open RAN proponents, cutting across performance, interoperability, cost savings, and broader industry support, and this is expected to be a multiyear journey for the RAN segment of cellular networks." — Ajeet Das, research director, Carrier Network Infrastructure at IDC

Please Note: Extended description available upon request.