Path Towards Scaling Open RAN Architecture

This white paper presents an exploration of Open RAN deployment scenarios and their implications for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). It outlines the diverse deployment scenarios supported by Open RAN, emphasizing the varying benefits and challenges that depend on the specific environments in which MNOs operate. The document details both distributed and centralized architectures that utilize virtualization and cloud technologies, and discusses the importance of carefully considering the extent of centralization. Additionally, it highlights the role of Open RAN in fostering innovation, competition, and cost efficiency within the telecommunications industry. By examining industry drivers and potential deployment architectures, this technical report aims to inform MNOs about options for cost reduction and innovation in their network landscapes. The paper encourages engagement with the Open RAN community as implementation cases evolve globally, with the intent to cultivate a collaborative ecosystem for enhancing network performance and efficiency.