Cloud RAN
Virtualization entails the migration from custom-built network nodes to network functionality implemented in software running on a generic hardware compute platform. Vendor-agnostic hardware facilitates innovation across a wide range of software ecosystems, and Cloud RAN also creates the potential to generate additional network architecture flexibility, bringing platform harmonization and simplification.
Ericsson Cloud RAN demonstration in live environment – showcasing a fully virtualized stack running 5G NR low-band including vCU and for the first time vDU.
Virtualization of radio access network (RAN) functionality is a hot topic, and the potential benefits that virtualization could bring may very well be significant, these include increased:
- harmonization: one single uniform hardware platform across the core network, RAN and edge
- flexibility: RAN network functions from multiple vendors could run on the same hardware. Functionality and capacity could be more easily deployed where and when required
- cross-Domain innovation: open platform that facilitates the development of new use cases and services
