The Emergence of Open RAN Mobile Network Strategy for 5G Deployment

The Emergence of Open RAN Mobile Network Strategy for 5G Deployment

This IDC Perspective provides an overview of open RAN initiatives in Asia/Pacific and their role in 5G network deployment. Open RAN is a new approach that separates the hardware and software components of the RAN, allowing communications SPs to use products from multiple vendors. The document highlights key concepts of open RAN, including disaggregation, virtualization, standardization, automation, and security. It discusses the industry adoption and deployment strategy of open RAN, with communications SPs embracing it for network flexibility and cost reduction. The challenges and risks of open RAN, such as standardization, operational complexity, security, and cost implications, are also mentioned. Moreover, this includes case studies of successful open RAN deployments of a few major operators. Overall, open RAN is seen as a promising technology for the future of 5G networks, but there are still challenges to overcome."Open RAN initiatives globally reshape 5G network deployments, offering communications SPs with flexibility and agility through hardware–software separation. Although it presents opportunities, interoperability and operational complexity remain challenges. Nonetheless, successful deployments by industry leaders reveal open RAN's potential to revolutionize the future of 5G networks," says Khairil Anwar Rahmat, senior research manager, IDC Asia/Pacific.

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