Virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN): Overview, Implementation, and Benefits

Hello Folks, Welcome back to Learnizo Global. Radio Access Networks in telecommunication is the part of the entire infrastructure that interfaces with customers (or IoT (Internet of Things) devices in case of 5G). A RAN consists of lots of hardware functions networked together to provide different services to the customer. As the technology progress and as per customer needs, RANs in a telecom network need to be upgraded frequently to accommodate new standards.  A lot of CAPEX, OPEX, and time is required for such an update which is not desired by the network Operator. Virtual RANs (vRAN) is a solution for this. This article will focus on the basic concepts of vRAN and the benefits of virtualizing a RAN.

What is a vRAN?

A virtual radio access network (vRAN) is a type of RAN with its networking functions separated from the hardware it runs on. The control and data planes of the vRAN are also separated as part of the virtualization. This type of RAN is heavily associated with 5G networks because the networks need virtualization to support the use cases and performance requirements of 5G.

Easy update of vRAN using virtualization

Network functions virtualization (NFV) is the practice of turning hardware-based functions into software. In an NFV architecture, the hardware is typically commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) standard hardware. Virtualizing the RAN makes it more agile and flexible than a hardware-based RAN. A vRAN is more agile in the sense that it is able to adapt to changes in the network faster. This includes ensuring intelligent load balancing and allocating resources based on demand. As well, a vRAN is more flexible because it also allows change without having to replace hardware throughout the entire infrastructure all it needs is to update its software.

Upgrading the RAN software can improve the network’s connectivity, efficiency, or security among other functions. For example, security is a moving target and is perpetually changing. With a vRAN infrastructure, network operators can better keep up with security than network operators still using a non-virtualized RAN because bugs and other security issues can be fixed by updating software instead of having to replace the hardware on a large scale. A secure network attracts more customers because the more trust the customer base has in a product like a network, the more likely they are to use it.

IT personnel can do more than fix network security issues with software updates. Updating and upgrading any type of function can be done remotely by IT personnel, much like application updates are now done remotely by users downloading a patch received by the internet. Changing aspects of a RAN is beneficial because employees don’t necessarily have to replace hardware out in the field. Instead, the IT personnel can send out software updates from a central location that then roll out over the network infrastructure.

Benefits and Challenges of implementing RAN virtualization

Virtualization technologies give network administrators control and visibility over the network. Software-defined networks (SDNs) are examples of virtualized networks with these advantages. The benefits of remote control and enhanced visibility include increasing network uptime, as issues can be identified and corrected sooner.

RAN vendors can benefit from vRAN technology as well because they can opt to use less-expensive generic COTS for their network hardware.

Sometimes in IT, when an industry embraces virtualized architecture, proprietary hardware is no longer a necessity, and vendor lock-in is no longer a given. This is not as much the case in the RAN industry, since the handful of vendors that dominate the industry does not have interoperable infrastructures.

There are those who want to introduce competition to the RAN market by creating open RAN interface standards that would allow different vendors’ equipment and software to communicate.

Should open standards gain traction, then network operators could begin to have a customized, multi-vendor RAN architecture that will better fit the operators’ needs than a single vendor’s top-to-bottom solution. There is a downside to a multi-vendor architecture though. Despite having standardized interfaces, there is always the chance for poor compatibility between vendors’ products; as well, when issues arise, the customer can’t just go directly to one vendor for tech support.

The Role of vRAN in 5G Networks

RAN virtualization is required for 5G networks because the new generation demands more visibility, automation, and adaptability that hardware-based RANs cannot provide. The ability to scale and intelligently adjust the network to changing conditions is significant when the demands on 5G networks increase both from mobile phone users and, more significantly, Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The number of IoT devices is growing. And because many of the devices are interconnected with each other and with the larger network, data is being generated and transmitted at immense volumes.

It is important for network administrators to be able to update a vRAN remotely because it enables improvement as technology advances. For example, network administrators can improve resource usage and network connections by uploading new algorithms and code to the vRAN. Updating a RAN is a key part of 5G RANs as well because the component technologies involved are expected to change over the coming years.

We will discuss vRAN Architecture in our further articles. Till then, stay safe and happy Learning with Learnizo Global.