As operators embrace Network Function Virtualization (NFV), this is a cloud of competition. In the past, NFV was mainly concentrated in the core network rather than in the access network, but the trend of the industry has gradually changed.
The focus of virtualization is shifting to the Radio Access Network (RAN), which means operators are preparing and planning virtual radio access networks (vRANs), as well as cloud radio access networks to technologies such as mobile edge computing (MEC) ( The evolution of cRAN). Developing a vRAN solution is one of the next major initiatives to drive both operators and consumers to profit from virtualization.
At present, the operator's architecture is still a centralized architecture, a core network with very efficient storage and computing functions, but still requires a large number of transmission links between the edge and the core. Now an emerging architecture is emerging, with a decentralized architecture that stays on the edge and has much less data transfer. In addition, macro trends are also conducive to this new type of distributed architecture.
The famous Moore's Law illustrates an important trend, and its impact on costs will eventually prevent the current concentration. We have seen this trend, and important investments are bringing cloud technology to the base station through edge computing.
Centralization can better manage infrastructure in the short term, but in the long run, the cost of computing and storage is declining, and the cost of transmission from the edge of the network to the core is also falling, but not fast.
When comparing distributed architectures and centralized architectures, distributed architectures have advantages in terms of cost, storage, and efficiency, so it appears to be virtualized in the edge and RAN, but this transition can be slow.
Advantages and challengesRAN virtualization is more complex than the core. In essence, RAN is distributed, so the centralizedization of its workflow faces challenges. Although RAN is more expensive than the core, RAN virtualization brings new cost savings and no opportunities for innovation.
While core virtualization means implementing cloud computing technology in dozens of data centers or hundreds of end offices, RAN virtualization means implementing these technologies in thousands of aggregation points and base stations, as well as in radio frequency (RF) antennas. And deploy a generic server next to the backhaul device.
On these servers, operators will run traditional base station functions, such as mobility management or baseband software, to bring the benefits of virtualization to the base station. In addition, they will be able to run core software and run new software close to the user side when needed. This opens the door to efficiency and security, paving the way for new services and features for the Internet of Things (IoT) or services such as virtual reality.
Gradual evolution rather than a revolutionAlthough RAN's virtualization has many benefits, it is a gradual evolution, not a sudden revolution. The launch of vRAN will take some time, because there are millions of cellular base stations around the world, and the launch of each site virtualization will be similar to the large-scale promotion of any other new technology, which is a process that lasts for many years.
The traditional RAN infrastructure has already cost a lot of investment from operators. Although the commercial case of deployment may be beneficial to the virtualization technology of communication providers with traditional infrastructure, it is necessary to build a new infrastructure to replace the existing infrastructure. Very difficult.
In addition, with the development of 5G and the upcoming deployment, it is not a good time to launch vRAN. When deploying 5G technology, a more practical approach is to deploy vRAN hardware. Although RAN's virtualization is in a slow promotion phase, these challenges have led to thinking about RAN.
A small step forward for RAN, a big step in the development of the industry
In the near future, the industry will see the strategic deployment of vRAN technology, there will be more proof-of-concept deployments, more trials, small-scale deployments, and experiments in the target areas that operators expect:
· Expand its footprint, especially in remote or rural environments
· Deploy network Overlay
· Enhance its network with micro base stations, distributed antenna systems (DAS) or cloud radio access network (cRAN) solutions
Each deployment scenario will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, and vRAN will only be deployed if these benefits are met and commercial cases are promising. If the utilization rate is high but not fast, then this business case is meaningless.
In addition to trials and targeted deployments, operators will work with industry standards organizations to develop vRAN infrastructure. This includes ensuring that new features can be broken down in a manner consistent with virtualization technology, and that ensures that management and orchestration systems (such as OpenStack) develop the functionality needed to support vRAN deployments.
The development of vRAN will be affected by economic factors. Tactical deployment will be carried out in the next few years. Technology will become part of the 5G standard. Communication service providers have time to deploy and develop vRAN, but they must meet and overcome the operational challenges of vRAN.
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