Next-Generation Wireless Networks

Overview

The Next-Generation Wireless Networks research programme provides data and strategic analysis on wireless network technologies, economics and migration options that are enabling operators to reduce costs and serve new use cases. It provides detailed annual market forecasts for RAN and core, a broad range of strategic reports focused on the implications of emerging trends in 5G architectures, use cases and related technologies such as RAN AI and massive MIMO.

Themes

• Open RAN and vRAN. Addressing the challenges and opportunities created by cloud-based RAN and open networks.
• 5G evolution. Exploring the evolution of 5G capabilities (such as RAN AI) to support new and valuable 5G use cases and ROI.
• High-performance networks. Exploring the strategies and technologies that operators can employ to maximise the performance, coverage, resiliency and efficiency of their wireless networks.

Questions answered

• Open RAN and vRAN. What are the benefits and evolving challenges of Open RAN and vRAN? How do operators and vendors accelerate and maximise the opportunity presented by these new architectures?
• Open RAN and vRAN. How is the vendor landscape evolving, and when and how will Open RAN reach at-scale deployment?
• 5G evolution. What are operators’ main opportunities and challenges when adopting 5G standalone (SA) and 5G Advanced, and how can operators and vendors maximise the business case for next-generation build-out?
• 5G evolution and AI. What role will AI play in the RAN in terms of enabling agile and efficient wireless networks, and supporting operators’ commercial goals?
• High-performance networks. What are operators’ main commercial and performance requirements for their networks? How can vendors meet these needs using evolving technologies such as massive MIMO, mmWave, network slicing and edge?