Software-hardware decoupling and opening of interfaces is a phenomenon well known from other domains such as computers or mobile phones. It always brings more choice at a lower price. This is the long-awaited paradigm shift in RAN business models. On the contrary, single-RAN promoted by the “traditional” vendors is the main reason and cause for the telco industry standstill.
~30 % CAPEX
~40 % OPEX
when compared to “traditional” RAN deployment already demonstrated by Rakuten
significantly lowering business risks such as dependency on a single supplier
by use of independently managed network functions deployed when needed
Decoupling happens also inside the software. Instead of virtual software monoliths we are using libraries of highly granularized Virtual Network Functions. Moreover, they can be engineered in semi-automatic mode.
Future networks will need to be much denser to meet the 1000x capacity requirement. It may mean the deployment of low-power Radio Units at every corner of the street and in every room. RRM algorithms run by RIC can handle interference in such situations. Moreover, they can manage QoS both in ultra-dense and in macro networks.