Introduction to Virtualized Radio Access networks
Virtualized Radio access network (vRAN) is a next-generation wireless architecture that virtualizes the core and radio physical layers into a single software-based infrastructure. vRAN will enable significantly faster deployment and service delivery, while providing new capabilities such as supporting legacy and future devices, integrating multiple frequencies and spectrum bands, deploying heterogeneous networks across LTE, 5G and Wi-Fi, etc., Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) is a software-defined radio access architecture which enables the separation of a cellular network’s control plane from its user plane and centralizes them in a single functional element, allowing for dynamic and elastic network management. 5G vRAN is a virtualized radio access network architecture that enables efficient use of spectrum in support of the requirements of 5G mobile networks. The 5G vRAN architecture uses software-defined radios (SDR) and centralized cloud-based functions for centralized computing and control, whereas access networks are comprised of base stations that can be distributed over vast geographical areas. The 5G vRAN is a software-defined radio network that can be used to support the mobile 5G environment. The 5G vRAN delivers the full benefits of a virtualized network. It enables service providers to dynamically deploy base stations and efficiently manage user traffic at the edge of their network by moving network resources closer to users. The vRAN architecture provides an enterprise-grade security domain that isolates mobile network elements (MNEs) and virtualized radio access network (vRAN) functions on dedicated hardware devices, separating them from the core network. The 5G vRAN architecture has the ability to scale for both small cells and macro cells in a single solution to support a wide range of design requirements. 5G NR vRAN is a foundational technologies for 5G pivotal to enabling 5G features and capabilities in mobile networks. These features and capabilities include flexible spectrum sharing, low latency, high throughput and support of more services at the same time. 5G NR vRAN is expected to be deployed in mature markets by the end of 2020. Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) relies on the cloud to provide all network elements, making it possible to realize fast and efficient communication services with no loss of quality. The mobile operator can flexibly adjust its own network resources and functions according to changes in customer demands and traffic situations, as well as dynamically deal with the disaster that may occur.
It will significantly reduce the cost of deploying base stations and expand service coverage, thereby greatly improving efficiency. Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) is a software defined radio platform that enables operators to deploy wireless communications with enhanced resiliency, performance, and agility. This new model can be used to dynamically allocate resources based on actual needs, reducing the need for remote sites by a considerable amount. The vRAN solution also simplifies network monitoring, troubleshooting and upgrades, so operators can adapt to their deployment needs much faster. Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) takes an existing carrier network infrastructure and transforms it into a virtual platform. vRAN provides a single-vendor-based, cost-effective solution that allows service providers to use the same hardware and software across different location geographies. A vRAN is fully automated, software-defined radio that provides 5G access over wired and wireless networks delivering lower power consumption while increasing reliability and business efficiency to address the needs of growing mobile data traffic.
