There are different acronyms related to the evolution of RAN (Radio Access Network), like vRAN, open RAN, O-RAN, etc.  A key point to clarify is that RAN evolution means both the disaggregation of mobile network base stations into more standardized entities (this is widely known as functional split), as well as the introduction of cloud […]

Open RAN is a highly disruptive technology that will bring many benefits to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), especially during the evolution to 5G. By opening up the RAN to multiple vendors and virtualizing the software, costs will be significantly reduced, highly dynamic services will be enabled, and the RAN domain will experience far greater levels […]

The O-RAN ALLIANCE e.V. specifies profiles for 3GPP RAN interfaces to achieve interoperability among different vendors. So far, profiles for open X2, open Xn, and open F1 interfaces have been published. Open X2 enables operators providing 5G Non-StandAlone to introduce 5G NR base stations (gNBs) independently of the vendor providing 4G LTE base stations (eNBs). Open Xn […]

The core network is the most important domain in the mobile network starting from 2G and 3G while the MSC and SGSN are the main functions there to EPC or Evolved packet Core, then EPC+ in 4G network and finally 5GC or 5G Core in 5G Network. However, there are many differences between EPC, EPC+, […]

5G Timeline and Standardization  During preparation, it was decided to split Phase 1 into two parts. In December 2017, standardization of the non-autonomous, or Non-Standalone, architecture for 5G New Radio (NR) was completed. This first official set of 5G standards defines the wireless air interface for interworking with existing LTE-based networks. This has allowed operators […]

O-RAN Alliance came up with RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) to enable AI/ML-based RRM optimization, and which is expected to be merged with the existing central Self-Organizing Network (SON) function. Traditional RAN can’t achieve the next-generation RAN activities from operational efficiency, automation of configuration and optimization activities, and customer level-specific service assurance. As next-gen RAN will […]

What is Cloud Native? In general, “cloud-native” is an approach to building and running applications that exploit the advantages of the cloud computing model. One key attribute of “cloud-native” is how the system creates and deploys applications. According to the definition of CNCF, “cloud-native” means that an application is containerized and uses an open-source software […]

The evolution of 5G New Radio (NR) has progressed swiftly since the 3GPP standardized the first NR release (release 15) in mid-2018. Not only is release 16 nearly finalized but the scope of release 17 has also recently been approved.  3GPP plans to evolve 5G in three phases: Phase 1 – 3GPP Release 15 provided […]

If we’re talking about RAN Market Status, The mobile RAN equipment market (covering active base station equipment and antennas, but excluding power supplies, cable, install costs, civils, passive antennas, etc.) was worth about $33 billion in 2019, according to Omdia, and is forecast to grow to $36 billion in 2023.  So the R&D in different […]

In LTE Core Network, all data plane traffic must go through a single node type called Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW). This centralized architecture is advantageous in terms of operation and management. Yet, it could potentially pose a severe limitation when there is a huge amount of backhaul traffics in 5G. The following figure illustrates […]

The device connects over the Radio Access Network (RAN), which defines and manages the radio link between the customer device and the rest of the network. The RAN comprises cellular base stations (BTS in 2G, NodeB in 3G,eNodeB in 4G, and gNB in 5G), wired or wireless links, and a baseband unit that processes the […]

This is the last update for the 5G Commercial Live Network in the Middle East till 25th, May 2021 Let’s see the status of 5G Live Commercial Network in the Middle East Saudi Arabia: In June 2019, STC became the first operator to launch 5G commercial services in Saudi Arabia. Zain’s 5G network also went live […]

As we discussed in the last article, let’s Recap again What is DSS and why we need to use the DSS feature in 5G Roadmap deployment. Due to the occupation of its FDD-based spectrum assets, service providers are forced to choose between the acquisition of a new spectrum or refarm spectrum already in use. Both […]

Before start talking about DSS or Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, let’s address the problem first and how DSS can solve it. As we know that 5G can support newly released frequency bands for use – such as the C-band (3-5 GHz) and millimeter wave (mmWave) band (24-40 GHz) – are higher than the current 4G frequency […]

What is Starlink? Starlink is a satellite internet constellation currently being constructed by SpaceX to provide planet-wide broadband satellite Internet access. The constellation will consist of thousands of mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) working in combination with ground transceivers. SpaceX also plans to sell some of the satellites for military, scientific, or […]

Open and virtualized RAN, Open vRAN refers to a disaggregated approach of deploying virtualized mobile networks by using open and interoperable protocols and interfaces, implemented over a common propose hardware in a multi-vendor software environment, allowing increased flexibility over traditional RAN architectures., aiming to provide OPEX and CAPEX savings while fostering innovation. Traditional RAN Protocol […]