The radio access network (RAN) product ecosystem has evolved in the last three decades with tight integration of hardware and software systems and a custom-built hardware platform. RAN is the most expensive part of the network, and it can stifle innovation and limit efficiency in a closed ecosystem. But with 5G, Telcos are embracing open virtualized RAN and cloud-native infrastructures because they provide the opportunity to use best-of-breed solutions while considering cost and performance and the ability to use open APIs to innovate over multiple vendor-provided products.
Open, virtualized RAN is revolutionary and a must for Telcos. It can accelerate innovation cycles, drive faster time-to-market and reduce the cost of ownership. However, the Open RAN (O-RAN) transformation is complex, with multiple implementation challenges when the number of sub-system suppliers is high. There are challenges that Telcos need to know to maximize RAN ecosystems:
High complexity with multivendor ecosystem
Imagine a network with a central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit, cloud infrastructure and CaaS platforms supplied and supported by multiple vendors. It becomes challenging to coordinate and align features, roadmaps, interface compliance and interoperability of these components as well as orchestration of new services from various vendors, covering all possible deployment options. This scenario warrants significant efforts to integrate disaggregated/multi-vendor sub-systems. System integration, validation, troubleshooting and re-verification for many combinations of integrations can cause delay in launching services.
System performance
Achieving the desired system performance in a multivendor ecosystem may take multiple iterations. For example, DU/CU integration with cloud infrastructure may require an integration test for every incremental change in DU/CU software or cloud software. Telcos must assess RAN systems for performance and conformance to desired levels.
Network maintenance of open and virtualized RAN
The operation and maintenance of a multivendor RAN ecosystem involve alignment with various suppliers鈥� software release plans and the overall roadmap relative to integration with a continuous CI/CD delivery pipeline. The alignment requires Telcos to develop observability solutions for all workloads and define processes and tools to manage the software pipelines. The multivendor ecosystem also leads to diffuse responsibility for network-level KPIs. No single sub-system vendor owns SLAs and KPIs.
Continuous investment in skill set training, forums and alliances
Managing multi-vendor hardware and software ecosystems comes with a big learning curve for Telcos鈥� network and maintenance teams, which requires them to make skill set training integral to their organization. Telcos must invest in their resources and participate in forums and alliances that work on RAN standards. Continuous adoption is needed to maximize the benefits of an open ecosystem.
Increasing threat surface
The hardware-software disaggregation and multivendor ecosystem can increase the threat surface in an open virtual RAN ecosystem. With 5G supporting innovative use cases and the connectivity of millions of devices, RAN network exposure increases the need for additional security elements and strategies.
Testing gets complex
Testing is another crucial element in the open virtual RAN ecosystem. It takes extensive infrastructure and proficiency to conduct聽use case testing, system validation, performance testing, interoperability testing, environmental simulation, and more. Consider working with a partner that invests in labs, tools, and reference stacks and leverage these advantages to test devices, configurations and applications as聽end-to-end solutions before launch, thus accelerating time-to-market.鈥嬄�
Managing a multi-vendor life cycle
Life cycle management is crucial after the deployment to constantly update, upgrade, fine-tune and improve the聽solution. Best practices and proven methodologies like Agile development and associated open-source CI/CD toolchains help manage the development and deployment processes, ensuring short cycles for feature deployment.聽Facilitate KPI- and SLA-driven integration across the entire聽RAN transformation and delegate a single point of contact to provide clear accountability and responsibility for multiple聽performance requirements. 鈥�
Why Use a System Integrator in an O-RAN Journey?聽
Open, virtualized RAN can be revolutionary for Telcos. It can accelerate innovation, reduce costs and drive new revenue streams. But O-RAN transformation is complex. System integrators (SI) can be vital, vendor-neutral partners to Telcos in integrating disaggregated systems. SIs have experience in multi-vendor, multi-standard RAN implementation, cloud infrastructure and automation to realize end-to-end O-RAN solutions. For this reason, SIs are聽an ideal partner to handle RAN transformation projects covering all possible use cases.
With uniquely developed capabilities, 91快活林 can help deliver end-to-end SI services to any Next Gen Mobility Transformation program. Unlike most system integrators, at 91快活林, engineering is in our DNA. Our engineering experience is critical in integrating disaggregated systems. 91快活林鈥檚 product engineering experience in the RAN domain, deeper cloud capabilities, data/analytics and AI help Telcos in the end-to-end life cycle of O-RAN solution realization. And 91快活林 recently opened its 5G Def-i Innovation Center and developed an enhanced partner ecosystem with platinum partnerships in cloud infrastructure, CaaS and hyperscalers. With our well-developed suite of capabilities, 91快活林 can help Telcos accelerate their RAN journey toward virtual open cloud-native architecture.
Ravi Kumar Emani
General Manager and Practice Head, 5G Edge Connectivity, 91快活林聽Engineering
Ravi has more than 25 years of experience helping global enterprises realize their connectivity goals. He is currently responsible for the Connectivity Practice Unit for NEPS and the Communications portfolio for 91快活林 Engineering. Ravi has authored numerous articles on 5G and is a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff (DMTS) at 91快活林.
Anchal Sardana
Global Leader, Digital Solution Architect, 5G Edge Connectivity, 91快活林 Engineering
Anchal is responsible for driving innovative and cutting-edge solutions for 5G clients globally. She has more than 17 years of experience in the Telecom market and has written more than a dozen articles on how 5G is changing and impacting the connectivity ecosystem.
