Overview:

The transition of the Radio Access Network (RAN) from a standalone, integrated network into a disaggregated, virtualized network solution has already begun. Over the next few years, this will be accompanied by a gradual transition from single vendor RAN networks into multi-vendor network solutions and ultimately the replacement of proprietary RAN interfaces with equivalent open interfaces. 

This report provides an overview of 5G’s emerging, virtualized and disaggregated RAN architecture and highlights the benefits as well as the considerable technical and business challenges that must be overcome.