The Evolution Of RAN Optimization In A C-RAN Environment

A conversation with Femi Adeyemi, LTE Solutions Architect, Fujitsu

The transition to C-RAN and fronthaul has started with operators gradually moving to the new architecture to realize a better utilization of network resources. We discussed with Femi Adeyemi the drivers and benefits of C-RAN over the traditional distributed architecture for RAN optimization.
The move to a C-RAN architecture naturally entails a more flexible, automated approach to optimization. According to Femi, “We can change the network dynamically, applying new techniques and new optimizations to that RAN. Not just the distributed RAN, but the entire RAN system. That is very important today. We’re optimizing the network from a hardware-centric network today. It is a network that is hardware focused and hardware built, using purpose-built hardware – and now we’re pulling all that back to have a cloud-based or central processing mechanism, where the network is being automated.”
The move to a virtualized RAN is a challenging one. Femi said: “Reliability is a very, very big aspect of the network as we virtualize it. Resiliency is another one. For a network with dedicated hardware, we have tested it. We have soaked it. Right? Now, as we move to a general-purpose server, I don’t know if that server has the same kind of tolerance and performance as dedicated hardware. These are important things that we’re working through with service providers.”

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