Insights

Unlocking 5G with Open RAN: Challenges and Considerations for Choosing the Right Vendor

By Rajeev Gandhi, Head of Technology, Telco Network Engineering

Considering a 5G network upgrade project?

With 5G wireless technology on the rise, many operators are considering upgrading their networks. While upgrading an existing 4G LTE (long-term evolution) infrastructure may seem like a straightforward initiative, the real-time scenario is far more different. For instance, a 5G architecture includes many more small cells and antennas to support fast 20 Gbps downlink and 10 Gbps uplink data transmission speeds.

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The importance of a radio access network in a 5G project

With that said, the radio access network (RAN) is the most important part of a 5G network implementation. Data transference can be compromised without a strong connection between the core structure and end devices. Signal interference can demean network performance even more. This is where the concept of establishing an Open RAN (O-RAN) comes into play because companies can build the 5G architecture from scratch with maximum scalability and avoid a market monopoly.

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Challenges to consider with a 5G O-RAN deployment

Since O-RAN allows network operators to collaborate with multiple vendors, companies can leverage the best offerings to build a complete network. While this independence is great, there are numerous challenges to consider with multiple vendors. If these challenges are not addressed at the beginning of the project, infrastructure operators could struggle with quality, performance, flexibility, and many other issues. Here are the key challenges with multiple vendors:

• Costs - O-RAN vendor pricing can vary greatly. If you’re not careful, overhead costs could get out of hand and blow your budget. Companies also need to consider long-term maintenance costs for a 5G network and communication channels. Be sure you fully understand vendor pricing before embarking on an upgrade initiative.
• Adaptability - Make sure your O-RAN 5G deployment vendor offers adaptable technologies. For instance, in the future, you may want to increase the number of baseband units to accommodate more users in the mmWave bandwidth range. Does your vendor use flexible technologies to comply with the baseband unit architecture, or will this create problems for vendors supplying small cells, antennas, and other components? Rigid technologies could limit your flexibility down the road.
• Multi-vendor complexity - The more vendors involved in the project, the more complex the architecture. There could be issues with technology compatibility, compliance with industry regulations and standards, and differing business priorities and agendas. If these issues aren’t resolved at the beginning of the project, you may find it difficult to work collaboratively and efficiently with all the different vendors.

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Tips for selecting the best 5G Open RAN deployment vendors for your project

Now that we’ve covered the major challenges with multiple vendors in a 5G O-RAN deployment, let’s delve into points to consider as you select vendors to ensure you can provide top-notch network performance and signal transferability:

• Look for deep domain expertise - It is imperative for businesses to consider a deployment vendor that has a long record of success in the telecommunications industry, especially in the emerging 5G segment of the market. For instance, an antenna distributor should have deep domain knowledge of small cell antennas used in 5G networks. Similarly, a vendor that manages higher levels of PIM in the O-RAN network should have in-depth knowledge of this facet of 5G networking. As you’re going through your vendor selection process, be sure to dig deep into the credentials of any potential vendor to thoroughly assess their knowledge of 5G.
• Opt for versatile equipment units - One of the most crucial factors to consider during your vendor selection process is the availability of suitable equipment units with your current network load and your chosen mmWave bandwidth. For instance, businesses should hire vendors who can supply micro and femtocells to create a hybrid architecture. Here, you can mix both cells to reduce power consumption, minimize the carbon footprint, and enhance overall network performance. Similarly, vendors providing baseband units for the O-RAN network must possess sufficient expertise to calibrate the fronthaul to achieve the intended output. Make scalability and flexibility a priority—Scalability is crucial during your 5G O-RAN vendor search. If a vendor fails to adapt to evolving configuration scenarios and technologies, you could run into growth and scalability issues down the road as you add more users or existing users increase demand. Similarly, if the network in question is not scalable, you may be unable to add additional cells, antennas, or baseband units. Therefore, the best option is to go with a vendor that can scale its offerings and keep pace with network demand. For instance, a potential vendor should be able to deploy advanced antennas to keep power consumption steady while increasing responsiveness and sensitivity.
• Embrace interoperability - Businesses should look for vendors who support interoperability instead of a monopoly. In other words, vendors should be able to collaborate with one another without any conflict, in both a technology and business sense. Furthermore, vendors need to design network architectures so that various parts are compatible without adding unnecessary complexity. Although it may be more challenging to collaborate with multiple vendors on the principle of interoperability, it’s critical that all vendors agree on the network plan for a 5G O-RAN project.

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Talk to the 5G O-RAN experts

O-RAN is one of the best ways for 5G deployment and offer state-of-the-art wireless communications technologies. Since multiple vendors will be involved, be aware of the many challenges and considerations with interoperability, compliance, and the like, as you select an O-RAN vendor. At UST, our telecommunications consultants understand all of these issues. We’re here to talk to you about your specific O-RAN 5G initiative. Please visit us at ust.com to get started with your 5G O-RAN project today.