vRAN: the high-level implications for OSS

Analysys Mason estimates that virtualised radio access network (vRAN) technology will account for around 20% of the total addressable RAN market by 2025. Mobile network operators (MNOs) are working with organisations such as the O-RAN Alliance and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) to define open alternatives to the vendor-specific RAN implementations.

This report provides:

• an overview of the context in which vRAN evolution is taking place, the proposed vRAN architecture and its complexities, and why vRAN requires a new approach to operations OSS approach
• an explanation of the implications that vRAN has for OSS, particularly in terms of network engineering, assurance and orchestration
• recommendations for vendors on how they can take advantage of the business opportunities offered by vRAN
• a brief commentary on the type of vendors that will win vRAN domain orchestration deals.