12
Bristol & Exeter House, Lower Approach Road, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Phone: +44 (0)117 925 7019 Fax: +44 (0)117 329 1480 Email: [email protected] RETHINK TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH Leading th e way with independent though t and no regu rgita ted an alysi s RAN RESEARCH : THE RESEARCH ARM OF WIRELESS WATCH Authored by Caroline Gabriel Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape Operator Buying Paerns to 2025 Companies mentioned in this report; Airrays, Airspan, Allot, Alti- ostar, Amarisoft, Anikowave, ARM, Askey, ASOCS, Athonet, AT&T, Beicells, Ball Aerospace, Bell Labs, Bharti Airtel, British Telecom, China Mobile, China Mobile Research Institute, China Unicom, CHIPS Alli- ance, Ciena, Cisco, Cloud-RAN Alliance, Comba, Deutsche Telekom, Docomo, Ericsson, Facebook, Fujitsu, HFR, Huawei, H3C, Innoeye, Intel, KDDI, Keysight, KT, Lenovo, Linux Foundation, Mavenir, Metaswitch, NEC, Netcracker, Nokia, NTT, OKI, ORAN Alliance, Or- ange, Parallel Wireless, Phluido, Pivotal Commware, Quanta, Qual- comm, Radisys, Rakuten, Red Hat, Reliance Jio, Ruckus Wireless, Sam- sung, Sercomm, Singtel, SK Telecom, Softbank, SOLiD, Sprint, Tech Mahindra, Telefónica, Telstra, TIM, Verizon, Viavi, Vodafone, WiFi Alliance, Xilinx, ZTE.

Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

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Citation preview

Page 1: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road Temple Meads Bristol BS1 6QS Phone +44 (0)117 925 7019 Fax +44 (0)117 329 1480 Email inforethinkresearchbiz

R E T H I N K T E C H N O L O G Y R E S E A R C H

ldquoL e a d in g t h e w a y w i t h i n d e p en d en t t h ou g h t a n d n o r e g u r g i t a t e d a n a l y s i s rdquo

RAN RESEARCH T HE RE SEARCH ARM OF WIRELE SS WAT CH

Authored by Caroline Gabriel

Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape

Operator Buying Patterns to 2025

Companies mentioned in this report Airrays Airspan Allot Alti-

ostar Amarisoft Anikowave ARM Askey ASOCS Athonet ATampT

Beicells Ball Aerospace Bell Labs Bharti Airtel British Telecom China

Mobile China Mobile Research Institute China Unicom CHIPS Alli-

ance Ciena Cisco Cloud-RAN Alliance Comba Deutsche Telekom

Docomo Ericsson Facebook Fujitsu HFR Huawei H3C Innoeye

Intel KDDI Keysight KT Lenovo Linux Foundation Mavenir

Metaswitch NEC Netcracker Nokia NTT OKI ORAN Alliance Or-

ange Parallel Wireless Phluido Pivotal Commware Quanta Qual-

comm Radisys Rakuten Red Hat Reliance Jio Ruckus Wireless Sam-

sung Sercomm Singtel SK Telecom Softbank SOLiD Sprint Tech

Mahindra Telefoacutenica Telstra TIM Verizon Viavi Vodafone WiFi

Alliance Xilinx ZTE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

2

CONT ENT S

Table of Contents 2

Table of Figures 3

Introduction 4

Many forces are driving the mobile industry towards an open RAN 5

The key drivers for an open ecosystem 5

The initiative lies with the operators old and new 7

Semi-open interfaces of the past have been inadequate 8

Operators look for ways to bypass X2 in 5G 9

CPRI shortcomings have driven push for new fronthaul standard 11

Ethernet alternatives pave way for full openness 13

The economic impact of openness will be seen in all layers of the network 15

Several open initiatives are starting to make the case for the open RAN 18

ORAN Alliance 20

ORAN makes progress with PoC tests 23

Telecom Infra Project 24

Steps to reality for TIP 27

Potential convergence of open groups 29

Small Cell Forum 30

The Open Air Interface 32

Case studies 34

Telecom Italia works with three new vendors on vRAN 34

Nokia and China Mobile 35

Rakuten claims first cloud-native multivendor mobile network 36

There are still many barriers in the way of a fully open RAN 38

How will open RAN platforms affect the pattern of 5G deployment 40

Baseline forecasts for base station deployment 42

Scenario 1 - large-scale adoption from 2022 44

Scenario 2 - at-scale deployment limited to small cell layer 46

Scenario 3 - limited deployment before 2025 50

Scenario 4ndash limited open ran but agreed to open fronthaul interface 51

Conclusions 53

Methodology 54

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless 56

About Rethink Technology Research 58

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

3

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Figure 1 Top drivers to adopt open architectures in the RAN ndash percentage of operators placing

each driver in their top three 8

Figure 2 The role of X2 in 4G5G interworking 10

Figure 3 The evolution of SK Telecomrsquos 4G and 5G RAN Source Netmanias 13

Figure 4 Fronthaul options related to different 3GPPIEEE functional splits in a disaggregated RAN 14

Figure 5 Projected deployment cost of a 5G macro cell open vs traditional architecture 16

Figure 6 Primary areas of impact of open architectures on the macro network - percentage of operators

placing each factor in their top two 17

Figure 7 Primary areas of impact of open architectures on the small cell network - percentage of operators

placing each factor in their top two 18

Figure 8 Selected challengers which are active in the open RAN and their key relationships with top

MNOs 21

Figure 9 Conceptual architecture of xRAN (now ORAN) Source xRAN white paper 2016 22

Figure 10 The TIP OpenRAN group 27

Figure 11 Percentage of operators active or interested in each major open mobile network group 31

Figure 12 Top barriers to adopt open architectures in the RAN ndash percentage of operators placing each bar-

rier in their top three 40

Figure 13 Total deployments and upgrades of macro and micro base stations by region 2018 to 2025 all

architectures 44

Figure 14 Total installed base of small cells by region 2018 to 2025 all architectures 45

Figure 15 In Scenario 1 deployments of open macro and micro base stations by region 2020 to 2025 46

Figure 16 In Scenario 2 deployments of open macro and micro base stations 2020-2025 47

Figure 17 In Scenario 2 installed base of open small cells 2020-2025 48

Figure 18 Deployment of open small cells by operator type 2020-2025 49

Figure 19 Deployment of open small cells indoor vs outdoor 2020-2025 50

Figure 20 In Scenario 3 total installed base of small cells all architectures 2018-2025 55

Figure 21 In Scenario 4 fronthaul and midhaul links deployed by architecture 2019-2025 53

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompany the Ex-

cel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-2025rsquo The surveys and

forecasts on which the outputs are based were conducted in January to March 2019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

4

There are many ways in which operators expect 5G to be very different from

its predecessors Only some of these relate to the performance of the radio

technology itself ndash the higher data rates lower latency enhanced availability

and so on Others which could prove just as important to the economics of

deploying the new networks relate to the wider architecture the supply

chain and the deployment models

Operators hope that 5G will support an open multivendor network with an

enlarged supply chain and greater price competition and open innovation

This may always have been a goal but it has not been easily achievable be-

fore

Indeed in the 4G era the supply chain has contracted considerably because

of the consolidation of suppliers In 2019 there are five major providers of

macro base stations and for operators in countries which are restricting pro-

curement from Chinese OEMs notably the USA and Australia there are on-

ly three choices This greatly reduces price competition and encourages lock-

in

Although most MNOs have a dual-source policy for their macro RANs this

means little more than splitting the network into geographical zones with

one supplier for each and minimal need to interwork

But the industry is changing and MNOs are under unprecedented commer-

cial pressure as they move towards 5G The disconnect between rising data

usage and flatlining ARPUs is making it very difficult for most operators to

justify a significant investment in another generation of networks It is essen-

tial to their business case that costs are reduced significantly at the same

time that the new networks enable new revenue streams

Most operators report that they are finding it hard to make a firm commer-

cial case for new revenues generated by 5G ndash particularly those that harness

its low latency high availability qualities to support industrial and Internet

of Things (IoT) services Over time as the technology is enhanced and the

most promising use cases identified this perception of high risk in the reve-

nue model will change but for the first few years of a 5G deployment it is

Introduction

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

5

essential that operators can be confident of at least one improvement in

the model ndash the total cost of ownership (TCO)

One way to drive down cost will be to move towards a more open

multivendor ecosystem with high levels of vendor competition and

lower barriers to new suppliers In Rethinkrsquos analysis there are many

factors which are encouraging operators to push for a more open eco-

system But other drivers relate to a trend that is more threatening to

the established MNOs - the potential for 5G especially when it is de-

ployed in shared spectrum and with a cloud-native sliceable core to

enable new service providers and deployment models

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

6

This report is critical to anyone involved in planning to launch a 5G

network or any part of a 5G network who may specify how open that

network needs to be be that by adopting an open API or through in-

teroperability testing or adherence to one of the emerging candidate

open RAN standards This may be for network providers technology

partners implementers equipment suppliers software providers and

investors at C Suite level down to product marketing and product

planning The RAN Research arm of Rethink Technology Research is

essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends

and thinking among MNOs Itrsquos like being a fly on the wall in their

planning meetings and is based on questions MNOs have answered

about their planned and future expenditure

This report will

Give you numbers you can drop directly your planning

It will help you understand who is already supporting the Open Ran

standard you are adopting and the market pressures on those players

It will help you understand timescales for particular approaches

In particular we have developed a 4 scenario planning tool whereby

we take an assumption and show how this will play out and affect

timeframes for various Open Ran approaches

It will help you construct a Capex plan for Open Ran

Pricing Each module of RAN Research costs $2000 for a single individual li-

cense and $4000 for a corporate license for any individual report such

as this one This is the price for ldquoOpen RAN architecture set to disrupt

5G landscape - Operator Buying Patterns to 2025rsquo and for any previous

reports The entire service can also be purchased as a subscription

which comes with 6 reports each year Ask for pricing details

How Do I buy this report Please follow links to our store pages site to buy ldquoOpen RAN architec-

ture set to disrupt 5G landscapersquo Or email nataliarethinkresearchbiz

This report has been compiled by our Head of Research Caroline Ga-

briel who can also be emailed at carolinerethinkresearchbiz

Who should buy this report

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 2: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

2

CONT ENT S

Table of Contents 2

Table of Figures 3

Introduction 4

Many forces are driving the mobile industry towards an open RAN 5

The key drivers for an open ecosystem 5

The initiative lies with the operators old and new 7

Semi-open interfaces of the past have been inadequate 8

Operators look for ways to bypass X2 in 5G 9

CPRI shortcomings have driven push for new fronthaul standard 11

Ethernet alternatives pave way for full openness 13

The economic impact of openness will be seen in all layers of the network 15

Several open initiatives are starting to make the case for the open RAN 18

ORAN Alliance 20

ORAN makes progress with PoC tests 23

Telecom Infra Project 24

Steps to reality for TIP 27

Potential convergence of open groups 29

Small Cell Forum 30

The Open Air Interface 32

Case studies 34

Telecom Italia works with three new vendors on vRAN 34

Nokia and China Mobile 35

Rakuten claims first cloud-native multivendor mobile network 36

There are still many barriers in the way of a fully open RAN 38

How will open RAN platforms affect the pattern of 5G deployment 40

Baseline forecasts for base station deployment 42

Scenario 1 - large-scale adoption from 2022 44

Scenario 2 - at-scale deployment limited to small cell layer 46

Scenario 3 - limited deployment before 2025 50

Scenario 4ndash limited open ran but agreed to open fronthaul interface 51

Conclusions 53

Methodology 54

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless 56

About Rethink Technology Research 58

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

3

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Figure 1 Top drivers to adopt open architectures in the RAN ndash percentage of operators placing

each driver in their top three 8

Figure 2 The role of X2 in 4G5G interworking 10

Figure 3 The evolution of SK Telecomrsquos 4G and 5G RAN Source Netmanias 13

Figure 4 Fronthaul options related to different 3GPPIEEE functional splits in a disaggregated RAN 14

Figure 5 Projected deployment cost of a 5G macro cell open vs traditional architecture 16

Figure 6 Primary areas of impact of open architectures on the macro network - percentage of operators

placing each factor in their top two 17

Figure 7 Primary areas of impact of open architectures on the small cell network - percentage of operators

placing each factor in their top two 18

Figure 8 Selected challengers which are active in the open RAN and their key relationships with top

MNOs 21

Figure 9 Conceptual architecture of xRAN (now ORAN) Source xRAN white paper 2016 22

Figure 10 The TIP OpenRAN group 27

Figure 11 Percentage of operators active or interested in each major open mobile network group 31

Figure 12 Top barriers to adopt open architectures in the RAN ndash percentage of operators placing each bar-

rier in their top three 40

Figure 13 Total deployments and upgrades of macro and micro base stations by region 2018 to 2025 all

architectures 44

Figure 14 Total installed base of small cells by region 2018 to 2025 all architectures 45

Figure 15 In Scenario 1 deployments of open macro and micro base stations by region 2020 to 2025 46

Figure 16 In Scenario 2 deployments of open macro and micro base stations 2020-2025 47

Figure 17 In Scenario 2 installed base of open small cells 2020-2025 48

Figure 18 Deployment of open small cells by operator type 2020-2025 49

Figure 19 Deployment of open small cells indoor vs outdoor 2020-2025 50

Figure 20 In Scenario 3 total installed base of small cells all architectures 2018-2025 55

Figure 21 In Scenario 4 fronthaul and midhaul links deployed by architecture 2019-2025 53

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompany the Ex-

cel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-2025rsquo The surveys and

forecasts on which the outputs are based were conducted in January to March 2019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

4

There are many ways in which operators expect 5G to be very different from

its predecessors Only some of these relate to the performance of the radio

technology itself ndash the higher data rates lower latency enhanced availability

and so on Others which could prove just as important to the economics of

deploying the new networks relate to the wider architecture the supply

chain and the deployment models

Operators hope that 5G will support an open multivendor network with an

enlarged supply chain and greater price competition and open innovation

This may always have been a goal but it has not been easily achievable be-

fore

Indeed in the 4G era the supply chain has contracted considerably because

of the consolidation of suppliers In 2019 there are five major providers of

macro base stations and for operators in countries which are restricting pro-

curement from Chinese OEMs notably the USA and Australia there are on-

ly three choices This greatly reduces price competition and encourages lock-

in

Although most MNOs have a dual-source policy for their macro RANs this

means little more than splitting the network into geographical zones with

one supplier for each and minimal need to interwork

But the industry is changing and MNOs are under unprecedented commer-

cial pressure as they move towards 5G The disconnect between rising data

usage and flatlining ARPUs is making it very difficult for most operators to

justify a significant investment in another generation of networks It is essen-

tial to their business case that costs are reduced significantly at the same

time that the new networks enable new revenue streams

Most operators report that they are finding it hard to make a firm commer-

cial case for new revenues generated by 5G ndash particularly those that harness

its low latency high availability qualities to support industrial and Internet

of Things (IoT) services Over time as the technology is enhanced and the

most promising use cases identified this perception of high risk in the reve-

nue model will change but for the first few years of a 5G deployment it is

Introduction

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

5

essential that operators can be confident of at least one improvement in

the model ndash the total cost of ownership (TCO)

One way to drive down cost will be to move towards a more open

multivendor ecosystem with high levels of vendor competition and

lower barriers to new suppliers In Rethinkrsquos analysis there are many

factors which are encouraging operators to push for a more open eco-

system But other drivers relate to a trend that is more threatening to

the established MNOs - the potential for 5G especially when it is de-

ployed in shared spectrum and with a cloud-native sliceable core to

enable new service providers and deployment models

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

6

This report is critical to anyone involved in planning to launch a 5G

network or any part of a 5G network who may specify how open that

network needs to be be that by adopting an open API or through in-

teroperability testing or adherence to one of the emerging candidate

open RAN standards This may be for network providers technology

partners implementers equipment suppliers software providers and

investors at C Suite level down to product marketing and product

planning The RAN Research arm of Rethink Technology Research is

essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends

and thinking among MNOs Itrsquos like being a fly on the wall in their

planning meetings and is based on questions MNOs have answered

about their planned and future expenditure

This report will

Give you numbers you can drop directly your planning

It will help you understand who is already supporting the Open Ran

standard you are adopting and the market pressures on those players

It will help you understand timescales for particular approaches

In particular we have developed a 4 scenario planning tool whereby

we take an assumption and show how this will play out and affect

timeframes for various Open Ran approaches

It will help you construct a Capex plan for Open Ran

Pricing Each module of RAN Research costs $2000 for a single individual li-

cense and $4000 for a corporate license for any individual report such

as this one This is the price for ldquoOpen RAN architecture set to disrupt

5G landscape - Operator Buying Patterns to 2025rsquo and for any previous

reports The entire service can also be purchased as a subscription

which comes with 6 reports each year Ask for pricing details

How Do I buy this report Please follow links to our store pages site to buy ldquoOpen RAN architec-

ture set to disrupt 5G landscapersquo Or email nataliarethinkresearchbiz

This report has been compiled by our Head of Research Caroline Ga-

briel who can also be emailed at carolinerethinkresearchbiz

Who should buy this report

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 3: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

3

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Figure 1 Top drivers to adopt open architectures in the RAN ndash percentage of operators placing

each driver in their top three 8

Figure 2 The role of X2 in 4G5G interworking 10

Figure 3 The evolution of SK Telecomrsquos 4G and 5G RAN Source Netmanias 13

Figure 4 Fronthaul options related to different 3GPPIEEE functional splits in a disaggregated RAN 14

Figure 5 Projected deployment cost of a 5G macro cell open vs traditional architecture 16

Figure 6 Primary areas of impact of open architectures on the macro network - percentage of operators

placing each factor in their top two 17

Figure 7 Primary areas of impact of open architectures on the small cell network - percentage of operators

placing each factor in their top two 18

Figure 8 Selected challengers which are active in the open RAN and their key relationships with top

MNOs 21

Figure 9 Conceptual architecture of xRAN (now ORAN) Source xRAN white paper 2016 22

Figure 10 The TIP OpenRAN group 27

Figure 11 Percentage of operators active or interested in each major open mobile network group 31

Figure 12 Top barriers to adopt open architectures in the RAN ndash percentage of operators placing each bar-

rier in their top three 40

Figure 13 Total deployments and upgrades of macro and micro base stations by region 2018 to 2025 all

architectures 44

Figure 14 Total installed base of small cells by region 2018 to 2025 all architectures 45

Figure 15 In Scenario 1 deployments of open macro and micro base stations by region 2020 to 2025 46

Figure 16 In Scenario 2 deployments of open macro and micro base stations 2020-2025 47

Figure 17 In Scenario 2 installed base of open small cells 2020-2025 48

Figure 18 Deployment of open small cells by operator type 2020-2025 49

Figure 19 Deployment of open small cells indoor vs outdoor 2020-2025 50

Figure 20 In Scenario 3 total installed base of small cells all architectures 2018-2025 55

Figure 21 In Scenario 4 fronthaul and midhaul links deployed by architecture 2019-2025 53

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompany the Ex-

cel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-2025rsquo The surveys and

forecasts on which the outputs are based were conducted in January to March 2019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

4

There are many ways in which operators expect 5G to be very different from

its predecessors Only some of these relate to the performance of the radio

technology itself ndash the higher data rates lower latency enhanced availability

and so on Others which could prove just as important to the economics of

deploying the new networks relate to the wider architecture the supply

chain and the deployment models

Operators hope that 5G will support an open multivendor network with an

enlarged supply chain and greater price competition and open innovation

This may always have been a goal but it has not been easily achievable be-

fore

Indeed in the 4G era the supply chain has contracted considerably because

of the consolidation of suppliers In 2019 there are five major providers of

macro base stations and for operators in countries which are restricting pro-

curement from Chinese OEMs notably the USA and Australia there are on-

ly three choices This greatly reduces price competition and encourages lock-

in

Although most MNOs have a dual-source policy for their macro RANs this

means little more than splitting the network into geographical zones with

one supplier for each and minimal need to interwork

But the industry is changing and MNOs are under unprecedented commer-

cial pressure as they move towards 5G The disconnect between rising data

usage and flatlining ARPUs is making it very difficult for most operators to

justify a significant investment in another generation of networks It is essen-

tial to their business case that costs are reduced significantly at the same

time that the new networks enable new revenue streams

Most operators report that they are finding it hard to make a firm commer-

cial case for new revenues generated by 5G ndash particularly those that harness

its low latency high availability qualities to support industrial and Internet

of Things (IoT) services Over time as the technology is enhanced and the

most promising use cases identified this perception of high risk in the reve-

nue model will change but for the first few years of a 5G deployment it is

Introduction

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

5

essential that operators can be confident of at least one improvement in

the model ndash the total cost of ownership (TCO)

One way to drive down cost will be to move towards a more open

multivendor ecosystem with high levels of vendor competition and

lower barriers to new suppliers In Rethinkrsquos analysis there are many

factors which are encouraging operators to push for a more open eco-

system But other drivers relate to a trend that is more threatening to

the established MNOs - the potential for 5G especially when it is de-

ployed in shared spectrum and with a cloud-native sliceable core to

enable new service providers and deployment models

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

6

This report is critical to anyone involved in planning to launch a 5G

network or any part of a 5G network who may specify how open that

network needs to be be that by adopting an open API or through in-

teroperability testing or adherence to one of the emerging candidate

open RAN standards This may be for network providers technology

partners implementers equipment suppliers software providers and

investors at C Suite level down to product marketing and product

planning The RAN Research arm of Rethink Technology Research is

essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends

and thinking among MNOs Itrsquos like being a fly on the wall in their

planning meetings and is based on questions MNOs have answered

about their planned and future expenditure

This report will

Give you numbers you can drop directly your planning

It will help you understand who is already supporting the Open Ran

standard you are adopting and the market pressures on those players

It will help you understand timescales for particular approaches

In particular we have developed a 4 scenario planning tool whereby

we take an assumption and show how this will play out and affect

timeframes for various Open Ran approaches

It will help you construct a Capex plan for Open Ran

Pricing Each module of RAN Research costs $2000 for a single individual li-

cense and $4000 for a corporate license for any individual report such

as this one This is the price for ldquoOpen RAN architecture set to disrupt

5G landscape - Operator Buying Patterns to 2025rsquo and for any previous

reports The entire service can also be purchased as a subscription

which comes with 6 reports each year Ask for pricing details

How Do I buy this report Please follow links to our store pages site to buy ldquoOpen RAN architec-

ture set to disrupt 5G landscapersquo Or email nataliarethinkresearchbiz

This report has been compiled by our Head of Research Caroline Ga-

briel who can also be emailed at carolinerethinkresearchbiz

Who should buy this report

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 4: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

4

There are many ways in which operators expect 5G to be very different from

its predecessors Only some of these relate to the performance of the radio

technology itself ndash the higher data rates lower latency enhanced availability

and so on Others which could prove just as important to the economics of

deploying the new networks relate to the wider architecture the supply

chain and the deployment models

Operators hope that 5G will support an open multivendor network with an

enlarged supply chain and greater price competition and open innovation

This may always have been a goal but it has not been easily achievable be-

fore

Indeed in the 4G era the supply chain has contracted considerably because

of the consolidation of suppliers In 2019 there are five major providers of

macro base stations and for operators in countries which are restricting pro-

curement from Chinese OEMs notably the USA and Australia there are on-

ly three choices This greatly reduces price competition and encourages lock-

in

Although most MNOs have a dual-source policy for their macro RANs this

means little more than splitting the network into geographical zones with

one supplier for each and minimal need to interwork

But the industry is changing and MNOs are under unprecedented commer-

cial pressure as they move towards 5G The disconnect between rising data

usage and flatlining ARPUs is making it very difficult for most operators to

justify a significant investment in another generation of networks It is essen-

tial to their business case that costs are reduced significantly at the same

time that the new networks enable new revenue streams

Most operators report that they are finding it hard to make a firm commer-

cial case for new revenues generated by 5G ndash particularly those that harness

its low latency high availability qualities to support industrial and Internet

of Things (IoT) services Over time as the technology is enhanced and the

most promising use cases identified this perception of high risk in the reve-

nue model will change but for the first few years of a 5G deployment it is

Introduction

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

5

essential that operators can be confident of at least one improvement in

the model ndash the total cost of ownership (TCO)

One way to drive down cost will be to move towards a more open

multivendor ecosystem with high levels of vendor competition and

lower barriers to new suppliers In Rethinkrsquos analysis there are many

factors which are encouraging operators to push for a more open eco-

system But other drivers relate to a trend that is more threatening to

the established MNOs - the potential for 5G especially when it is de-

ployed in shared spectrum and with a cloud-native sliceable core to

enable new service providers and deployment models

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

6

This report is critical to anyone involved in planning to launch a 5G

network or any part of a 5G network who may specify how open that

network needs to be be that by adopting an open API or through in-

teroperability testing or adherence to one of the emerging candidate

open RAN standards This may be for network providers technology

partners implementers equipment suppliers software providers and

investors at C Suite level down to product marketing and product

planning The RAN Research arm of Rethink Technology Research is

essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends

and thinking among MNOs Itrsquos like being a fly on the wall in their

planning meetings and is based on questions MNOs have answered

about their planned and future expenditure

This report will

Give you numbers you can drop directly your planning

It will help you understand who is already supporting the Open Ran

standard you are adopting and the market pressures on those players

It will help you understand timescales for particular approaches

In particular we have developed a 4 scenario planning tool whereby

we take an assumption and show how this will play out and affect

timeframes for various Open Ran approaches

It will help you construct a Capex plan for Open Ran

Pricing Each module of RAN Research costs $2000 for a single individual li-

cense and $4000 for a corporate license for any individual report such

as this one This is the price for ldquoOpen RAN architecture set to disrupt

5G landscape - Operator Buying Patterns to 2025rsquo and for any previous

reports The entire service can also be purchased as a subscription

which comes with 6 reports each year Ask for pricing details

How Do I buy this report Please follow links to our store pages site to buy ldquoOpen RAN architec-

ture set to disrupt 5G landscapersquo Or email nataliarethinkresearchbiz

This report has been compiled by our Head of Research Caroline Ga-

briel who can also be emailed at carolinerethinkresearchbiz

Who should buy this report

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 5: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

5

essential that operators can be confident of at least one improvement in

the model ndash the total cost of ownership (TCO)

One way to drive down cost will be to move towards a more open

multivendor ecosystem with high levels of vendor competition and

lower barriers to new suppliers In Rethinkrsquos analysis there are many

factors which are encouraging operators to push for a more open eco-

system But other drivers relate to a trend that is more threatening to

the established MNOs - the potential for 5G especially when it is de-

ployed in shared spectrum and with a cloud-native sliceable core to

enable new service providers and deployment models

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

6

This report is critical to anyone involved in planning to launch a 5G

network or any part of a 5G network who may specify how open that

network needs to be be that by adopting an open API or through in-

teroperability testing or adherence to one of the emerging candidate

open RAN standards This may be for network providers technology

partners implementers equipment suppliers software providers and

investors at C Suite level down to product marketing and product

planning The RAN Research arm of Rethink Technology Research is

essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends

and thinking among MNOs Itrsquos like being a fly on the wall in their

planning meetings and is based on questions MNOs have answered

about their planned and future expenditure

This report will

Give you numbers you can drop directly your planning

It will help you understand who is already supporting the Open Ran

standard you are adopting and the market pressures on those players

It will help you understand timescales for particular approaches

In particular we have developed a 4 scenario planning tool whereby

we take an assumption and show how this will play out and affect

timeframes for various Open Ran approaches

It will help you construct a Capex plan for Open Ran

Pricing Each module of RAN Research costs $2000 for a single individual li-

cense and $4000 for a corporate license for any individual report such

as this one This is the price for ldquoOpen RAN architecture set to disrupt

5G landscape - Operator Buying Patterns to 2025rsquo and for any previous

reports The entire service can also be purchased as a subscription

which comes with 6 reports each year Ask for pricing details

How Do I buy this report Please follow links to our store pages site to buy ldquoOpen RAN architec-

ture set to disrupt 5G landscapersquo Or email nataliarethinkresearchbiz

This report has been compiled by our Head of Research Caroline Ga-

briel who can also be emailed at carolinerethinkresearchbiz

Who should buy this report

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 6: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

6

This report is critical to anyone involved in planning to launch a 5G

network or any part of a 5G network who may specify how open that

network needs to be be that by adopting an open API or through in-

teroperability testing or adherence to one of the emerging candidate

open RAN standards This may be for network providers technology

partners implementers equipment suppliers software providers and

investors at C Suite level down to product marketing and product

planning The RAN Research arm of Rethink Technology Research is

essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends

and thinking among MNOs Itrsquos like being a fly on the wall in their

planning meetings and is based on questions MNOs have answered

about their planned and future expenditure

This report will

Give you numbers you can drop directly your planning

It will help you understand who is already supporting the Open Ran

standard you are adopting and the market pressures on those players

It will help you understand timescales for particular approaches

In particular we have developed a 4 scenario planning tool whereby

we take an assumption and show how this will play out and affect

timeframes for various Open Ran approaches

It will help you construct a Capex plan for Open Ran

Pricing Each module of RAN Research costs $2000 for a single individual li-

cense and $4000 for a corporate license for any individual report such

as this one This is the price for ldquoOpen RAN architecture set to disrupt

5G landscape - Operator Buying Patterns to 2025rsquo and for any previous

reports The entire service can also be purchased as a subscription

which comes with 6 reports each year Ask for pricing details

How Do I buy this report Please follow links to our store pages site to buy ldquoOpen RAN architec-

ture set to disrupt 5G landscapersquo Or email nataliarethinkresearchbiz

This report has been compiled by our Head of Research Caroline Ga-

briel who can also be emailed at carolinerethinkresearchbiz

Who should buy this report

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 7: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

7

This document contains explanatory notes and commentary to accompa-

ny the Excel spreadsheet lsquoRethink Research Open RAN Module 2018-

2025rsquo The surveys and forecasts on which the outputs are based were

conducted in January to March 2019

The wireless forecasts included in this report are based on research on

the top 40 international mobile operator groups which account for 80

of the global mobile subscribers (IMG-40)

These forecasts were based on a combination of data from

bull Detailed surveys interviews and operator-by-operator modeling of

the IMG-40 groups

bull Studies and modelling of the deployments and strategies of the top

100 4G5G operators as tracked by Rethink Technology Researchrsquos

quarterly surveys interviews and desk research

bull A survey of 76 tier one operators about their detailed plans for RAN

deployments to 2025 including new architectures

bull Input from ecosystem vendors on shipments technology strategies

and competitive landscape also updated quarterly

bull Surveys of alternative cellular operators including over 45 private

cellular neutral host enterprise and carrier WiFi providers

bull A calculation of the resources required in each type of location to

achieve the MNOsrsquo stated objectives

bull A detailed proprietary model to project best and worst cases and

different scenarios according to all these inputs and a detailed list of

assumptions and variables in turn drawn from a research base com-

piled over 15 years and supported by over a decade of historic data

From the starting point of a calculation of the number of cell sites already

deployed worldwide forecasts were made of the numbers of base sta-

tions and edge nodes that would be rolled out a) to brand new sites and

b) to replace or upgrade existing sites These deployment forecasts were

then categorized by network topology spectrum band spectrum mode

region and other factors The equipment deployed in each case was also

surveyed and modeled

Appendix Methodology

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 8: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

8

Based on the surveys of operators and vendors it was then calculated

how the cell and edge sites would be equipped ndash by base station type

edge node type and location technology frequency band etc leading to

a detailed unit and market size measurement

Most of the forecasts refer specifically to nodes deployed within MNO

networks either by themselves or by partners MNOs may also make use

of third party nodes deployed outside their network and connected by

wireline or WiFi and many edge cloud services will run on infrastructure

that is not used by MNOs at all

The Rethink RAN Research process summarized

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 9: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

9

Rethink Technology Research is a specialized research and consulting firm

with 12 yearsrsquo experience in surveying wireless broadband over-the-top

and quad play operators This has resulted in a broad research base of over

140 service providers (MNOs telcos cable and satellite operators over-the-

top providers) worldwide These organizations are surveyed on a regular

basis about their network infrastructure and business plans and have a re-

lationship of trust with Rethink

Rethink also has deep relationships with the telecoms ecosystem (tier one

device OEMs vendors technology developers integrators regulators etc)

and is perceived as a thought leader in many areas of the telecoms and me-

dia sectors Key areas of expertise and research experience include HetNet

migration small cells and carrier WiFi transformation strategies for the

RAN and the BSSOSS convergence of IT and network skills and platforms

device and chipset roadmaps spectrum strategy

Here are some sample titles of reports we have produced recently

bull Will 5G really be so different after all 5G Deployment Trends 2018-2025

bull MNOs look to MEC to deliver 5G class apps Edge Computing Forecast

2018 to 2025

bull Virtualized RAN rollouts stutter ndash awaiting vendor interoperability

standards

Single User license - $2000 (One Report)

Single User subscription (This report plus 5 more) $6000

Corporate licensemdash$4000 (unlimited distribution inside your organization)

Corporate Subscription (This report plus 5 more) $10000

RAN Research Forecasting disruption in wireless

SUBSCRIPTION COSTS

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 10: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

10

RETHINK LEADERSHIP

RAN RESEARCH MAIN CO NTRIBUTORS

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

Peter White - Co-founder and CEO

peterrethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director and Co-founder

carolinerethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)207 450 1230

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 11: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

11

Rethink is a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless and

IoT technologies It offers consulting advisory services research papers

plus three weekly research services Wireless Watch a major influence

among wireless operators and equipment makers Faultline which tracks

disruption in the video ecosystem and OTT video Riot on enterprise dis-

ruption from the combination of AIIoT and cloud

About Rethink Technology Research

Need more information

Natalia Szczepanek (Client Relations and Marketing Manager)

nataliarethinkresearchbiz

+44 (0)117 925 7019

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018

Page 12: Open RAN architecture set to disrupt 5G landscape · The evolution of SK Telecom’s 4G and 5G RAN Source: Netmanias 13 Figure 4. Fronthaul options related to different 3GPP/IEEE

Copyright copy 2018 Rethink Research All rights reserved

12

Bristol amp Exeter House Lower Approach Road

Temple Meads Bristol

BS1 6QS United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1173 291480 Tel +44 (0) 1179 257019

wwwrethinkresearchbiz

Published August 2018