Open RAN: What is it exactly?

Open RAN means Open Radio Access Network. The technology expands the possibilities of mobile communications

What is Open RAN all about

Open RAN is strongly related to 5G, the successor to 4G.

• Open RAN stands for Open Radio Access Network.

• Thanks to defined standards in wireless technology, Open RAN allows service providers to access various components that do not have to be part of their own system.

• This access to different systems prevents dependencies on individual providers and thus increases the diversity of offerings.

• The increased flexibility of Open RAN reduces costs and allows network operators to connect to the market faster.

• In addition, single vendor dependencies are prevented and networks are generally smarter and more automated.

• Open RAN networks can also be supported by artificial intelligence models, making them even more efficient.

How Open RAN works

It’s easy to forget that cell phones have to get their signal from somewhere when you’re just out and about in the city. But invisible radio beams also have to come from somewhere and, more importantly, have to go somewhere again.

• An Open RAN is part of the cellular network. It is made up of three components: A base station, software installed on it, and an antenna used to connect to terminals such as smartphones.

• Open RAN technology is still in its early stages. So far, Traditional RAN is still much more widespread.

• Major hardware conversions will be required to move from Traditional to Open RAN, as all equipment dedicated to only one provider will need to be replaced.

• However, once the equipment has been replaced, further costly conversions can be dispensed with thereafter. Instead, it is sufficient to upgrade the respective software.