Overview:

The transition of the Radio Access Network (RAN) from a standalone, integrated network into a disaggregated, virtualized network solution has already begun. Over the next few years, this will be accompanied by a gradual transition from single vendor RAN networks into multi-vendor network solutions and ultimately the replacement of proprietary RAN interfaces with equivalent open interfaces. 

This report provides an overview of 5G’s emerging, virtualized and disaggregated RAN architecture and highlights the benefits as well as the considerable technical and business challenges that must be overcome. 

Table of Contents:

• Key Business Assumptions
• Introduction
• Tech Focus
• DU Whitebox Reference Architecture
• Overview of DU Hardware
  • Central Processing Units (CPU)
  • Hardware Acceleration Cards
  • Network Interface Cards (NICs)
  • Memory Interfaces and Ports
• DU Software Architecture
  • NFVI Layer
  • vRAN Software Layer
  • Management and Orchestration (MANO)
  • OpenStack and Kubernetes
  • Commercial Deployments
• Viewpoint

Number of Pages: 13

Author: Gareth Owen