Open RAN: The long road to multi-vendor networks

Why Open RAN?

At its core, Open RAN involves disaggregating the radio access network into components that can communicate using open, standard interfaces. The UK government provides a clear definition:

"Open RAN is the disaggregation of the radio access network into parts which are interconnected by open, standards-based, interoperable interfaces, using open, standards-based protocols for communicating over those interfaces. As a result, networks can be built from parts from different vendors."

Importantly, Open RAN encompasses more than just the separation of network components. It embodies the convergence of three significant trends: virtualization, modularity and automation. If CSPs are to fully realize its benefits, they need manage their total cost of ownership (TCO) while maximizing the value of increasingly constrained capital expenditures (CAPEX).

This optimization hinges on supplier choice. Without it, the full potential of Open RAN will most likely remain unrealized. And yet, multi-vendor setups are not the end goal in themselves: they are enablers for the outcomes CSPs truly seek.

Where we stand today

The momentum behind Open RAN is undeniable. Already, it has surpassed closed vRAN deployments and is emerging as a growth segment in an otherwise flat investment market. Remarkably, in just 18 months, it has become the default approach for many.

Still, a clear apprehension remains surrounding the complexity of multi-vendor integration, which is prompting some CSPs – at least initially – to opt for a single vendor. Margin pressures reinforce this approach even further.

But it would be fair to assume that none of the CSPs choosing the single-vendor Open RAN path desire long-term lock-in. Ultimately, they’re actively looking for ways avoid the kind of vendor dependencies we’ve observed with traditional RAN deployments.

Staying open: the three fundamentals

So, how can CSPs maintain their options, regardless of their starting point? At Amdocs, we conceptualize this in terms of the “Three Fundamentals of Openness”: Open Interfaces, Open Integration and Open Intelligence.

Open interfaces are the foundation of Open RAN. The key to this fundamental lies in maintaining commitment to the interfaces defined by the O-RAN Alliance and 3GPP – and adhering to these standards is crucial to preventing vendor lock-in and preserving flexibility. Indeed, any deviation towards proprietary solutions risks introducing lock-in.

The second fundamental, Open Integration extends beyond technical disaggregation to encompass services open to any supplier. With Open RAN allowing us to decouple more traditionally bundled services, we recommend that CSPs consider decoupling system integration from infrastructure providers now, as it will provide long-term flexibility.

Finally, the Open Intelligence fundamental addresses the challenge of managing complexity while supporting new revenue streams. With CSPs requiring open, transparent, and flexible network automation that functions across all vendors and technologies from the outset, the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) and Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) defined by Open RAN will be pivotal.

Looking ahead

Openness has become the new standard in RAN. And while multi-vendor is the end goal, the path and pace will vary among CSPs. Yet it’s challenging to envision any single-vendor Open RAN deployments existing in five years’ time.

Ultimately, Open RAN is part of a longer-term technology transformation in mobile and the decisions made today will have lasting implications. By focusing on the Three Fundamentals of Openness, CSPs will be well-positioned to keep their options open, regardless of whether they’re starting with a single or multi-vendor approach.

For more insights, watch the session by Neil Coleman and Vikram Prasad at Open RAN Summit.