C-RAN - Centralized vs. Cloud-Based Radio Access Network
May 10, 2016
Acronym C-RAN is actually used for two related, but different concepts: cloud-based radio access network and centralized radio access network.
China Mobile started using C-RAN a few years ago, making the technology relatively new. Centralized RAN networks are however already being widely deployed internationally with the aim of operators being to increase their commitment in a maturing market.
In conventional distributed cellular networks, equipment at the bottom and top of a cell tower of what we know as a cell site is the RAN. The main component is the base band unit (BBU). This radio equipment links users to the core network and processes billions of bits of information per hour.
The BBU was traditionally placed in an enclosure or shelter situated at bottom of the tower. A network operator had to pay for the space, and cool and run power to every BBU. The operational costs of cooling and site power adds up to more than 66% of a wireless network's total cost of ownership.
C-RAN is much more efficient and elegant. Fiber's large front haul signal-carrying capacity can be leveraged by centralizing numerous BBUs at a dedicated pool location or a cell site. This reduces the quantity of equipment required at cell sites and provides many other advantages, including lower latency.
C-RAN's ultimate aim is however Cloud-based RAN, where various network functions will be virtualized in the cloud. With centralized BBUs, standard servers will be handling most routine processing. BBUs can therefore be scaled back and redesigned to concentrate on proprietary or complex processing. Network management will be simplified with cloud-based RAN and centralizing base station processing. This will allow for synchronization of radio resources and resource pooling.
Apart from hardware cost saving, C-RAN creates substantial saving in cooling, site leasing and power costs. Asia was the first region that successfully deployed C-RAN commercially, and operators have reported that operating expenses decreased by between 30 and 50%. C-RAN also enables operators to access various hidden features within LTE-Advanced. These allow them to increase capacity without increasing costs.
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5 comments
The cloud’s capabilities are so impressive. I think the way it’s spread has opened up a lot of possibilities when it comes to technology. It’s not just in terms of saving space (plop it on the cloud rather than a mainframe) and speed. I love the cloud for personal use and I’m sure techno-wizards know how to make it work on a large scale like it’s shown here.
On an old school technology note, can anyone explain this- why does aluminum foil improve antenna reception?
Can someone tell me how this cloud-based radio access network operates? I’m familiar with the cloud, but somewhat perplexed by using it for radio access. Is it true there is a cloud ran white paper out there to explain things? It was interesting how you described C-Ran architecture “efficient and elegant.” I know there are some ugly electronics adorning our cityscapes so this is refreshing news.
This article mentions how C-RAN can help with cooling costs. What exactly are the costs involved with cooling systems? What kind of heat is generated. Also, what kind of heat is generated with cell phone boosters and DAS installations? I’m wondering if there are any special concerns with the heat generated by these devices and systems.