Why evolving the RAN is fundamental to 5G’s success
vRAN can provide operators with the increased flexibility necessary to support next-gen network deployments.
Mobile network operators globally have partnered with network equipment vendors on trials ahead of 5G’s widespread availability in 2020. Yet, in recent months, far more crystallized claims have been made. Following the approval of the 3GPP 5G NR specifications in late 2017, some mobile operators have promised to have live 5G networks in place by the end of 2018. Are we in the early stages of evolution to this technology, or is the industry’s current position on 5G more hype than reality.
Despite confidence from US operators that 5G will be up-and-running this year, a number of challenges still needs to be addressed before these deployments can truly take shape. Alongside valid comments from T-Mobile’s CTO Neville Ray, who slammed Verizon’s decision to use pre-standard technology, a list of network design concerns, virtualization considerations, and spectrum efficiency questions are flying under the radar which must be addressed before 5G networks can truly go live.