Can OpenRAN Overcome Resistance to Disaggregation?

Feb. 16, 2022

The OpenRAN network architecture can enable multi-vendor supply chains for future 5G networks, but must overcome obstacles on the way. Olli Andersson, Benetel's senior VP for the Americas, discusses the architecture's climb into market relevance.

David Maliniak

Related To: Microwaves & RF

The OpenRAN network architecture holds a great deal of promise for the future of 5G wireless infrastructure. It's touted as a way to break the hold of closed, proprietary network-infrastructure providers and clear the way to a multi-vendor supply chain. Proponents of OpenRAN say that it will encourage more innovation in network configurations, provide network operators with more choices, and ultimately lower costs.

1. Benetel, which provides 5G O-RUs (radio-access units) to network operators, sees the OpenRAN network architecture as the key to greater innovation, more market choice, and lower costs for operators' network infrastructure.

But proliferation of OpenRAN isn't without obstacles. For one thing, there still exists some confusion in the marketplace about the differentiation between so-called "virtual RAN" and "cloud RAN" terminologies, and even about the notion of open source itself. For another, some network operators will prefer to stick to a single provider for infrastructure equipment to, if for no other reason, give them one phone number to call for tech support. Going to an OpenRAN architecture is also going to create the need for system integrators, typically third parties who will have a lot of say over how the network is implemented. What about network security issues stemming from the use of open software interfaces?

Benetel is among the providers of OpenRAN-based radio-access units (RUs) that have pinned their hopes on the success of OpenRAN, much like Accelleran has on the software side of the equation. In the video offered here, Benetel's senior vice president for the Americas, Olli Andersson, will address these concerns and provide some perspective on how OpenRAN hopes to convince its doubters.

About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

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About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.