The wireless application landscape is ever evolving. Like most technologies, they are consistently improved to provide better services to both operators and end-users. At Corning, innovation is one of the key pillars that makes us who we are. We are constantly challenging ourselves to be at the forefront of innovation. By maintaining close relationships with the customers and owners, we anticipate the demand for additional wireless applications and expect to see several key trends increase over the next few years that will impact neutral-host operators, systems integrators, and enterprise/venue owners.
1. The growth of C-band 5G will persist
In the range of 5G connectivity categories, C-band 5G seems set for the most significant expansion in the upcoming year. This adaptable mid-band spectrum, encompassing frequencies in the vicinity of 3.5GHz, is witnessing heightened adoption due to its mix of high velocity, extensive coverage, and relatively lower implementation costs. When contrasted with the mmWave spectrum, C-band signals have the capability to cover larger distances with significantly less signal weakening from barriers like walls and windows, making it a more flexible option for universal use. Consequently, I anticipate a rise in the employment of the C-band spectrum in the new 5G deployments.
2. Neutral host architecture will propel the construction of in-building networks
To date, the main focus of operators has been on constructing 5G networks outdoors, even though that roughly 80 percent of traffic begins from inside buildings. This imbalance can lead to connectivity issues in high-volume environments where various building materials interfere with signals from outdoor base stations. As a solution, commercial property operators are progressively adopting indoor 5G networks to enhance the value of their properties.
C-band 5G, predominantly deployed on macros until now, is proving to be an ideal spectrum for indoor installations due to its capability to offer both coverage and capacity. Its robust propagation can deliver the uninterrupted connectivity required for new applications such as remote healthcare monitoring. Additionally, it eliminates dead zones that could disrupt communication in potential emergencies. Considering the escalating costs of infrastructure necessary for 5G networks, it's logical to concentrate on neutral host solutions as a way to distribute the cost among multiple entities.
In response to this need, Corning has collaborated with Intel and Dell Technologies to create the Radio Access Network (RAN) Compute Platform (RCP) – the brains of a multi-operator, multi-band Everon® 5G Enterprise Radio Access Network — a system designed to accelerate the deployment of neutral host 5G networks in high-density buildings. The platform features Intel processors, accelerators, and software. It operates on Dell server hardware. The system supports multiple mobile operators over a common radio network. This innovation offers a flexible, cost-effective path to reliable multi-operator network access and enhanced user experiences in environments such as airports, office buildings, hotels, and hospitals.
By establishing the radio infrastructure network independently from a wireless provider, connecting and installing the radio and hardware with fiber-to-the-edge (FTTE) architecture, enterprises and neutral host operators can incorporate a new telecom service when needed, with only a minimal amount of new equipment required. Neutral host sharing will offer a cost-effective and adaptable solution to many commercial property owners and enterprises, paving the way for superior multi-carrier coverage within buildings.
3. Disaggregation will continue to expand
Similar to the neutral host architecture, the current trend of wireless disaggregation is centered around flexibility. Traditional radio access networks (RANs) are typically composed of proprietary systems from a single provider, yet the sector has been gradually transitioning towards an open, adaptable approach to both hardware and software, which has been identified to reduce costs and stimulate innovation.
This shift towards network disaggregation encompasses two trends: Open RAN (ORAN) and virtualized RAN (vRAN). ORAN allows mobile network operators to construct base stations using parts from a growing number of OEMs, decreasing the initial capital necessary for their development. As more OEMs manufacture these components, competition is driving increased innovation, resulting in hardware configurations that are both more efficient and cost-effective.
On the other hand, vRAN uses virtualization to separate the radio software from the RAN hardware. With vRAN, network and data processing are performed almost entirely by software, enabling less latency-sensitive controller functions to be transferred to the cloud for efficiency optimization. Instead of using purpose-built hardware, vRAN lets operators utilize readily available hardware like x86 processors and servers for baseband functions, further lowering initial costs.
The Everon 5G ERAN RCP platform supports an ORAN architecture and vRAN technology, developed on the foundations of Intel’s ORAN and vRAN solution components such as Intel FlexRAN. The solution thus provides hardware and software flexibility and enables cloud-based deployments.
Considering the substantial advantages of these combined strategies, we predict an increase in greenfield network constructions employing ORAN and vRAN architectures in 2024, for both outdoor and in-building deployments.
More growth to come
Network operators are discovering methods to enhance the service for their customers and end-users. Over the next few years, trends such as disaggregation and neutral host architecture will not just enable wireless companies to increase the number of deployments in a more economical way, but the heightened competition stimulated by these strategies will also propel additional innovation for the advantage of everyone.
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Dr. Shirish Nagaraj serves as CTO for Corning Wireless, where he is responsible for product management and technology innovation. In the past he has led technology development for the Wireless business unit, which delivers world-leading in-building cellular products for Tier-1 operators. He has been instrumental in conceptualizing, architecting, and developing the 5G mmWave small-cell system that is now deployed commercially at high profile stadiums, private enterprises, and other such venues. Corning Wireless develops radio access network (RAN) and distributed antenna systems (DAS) software and hardware, with development centers in the U.S. and India.