Exploring the Role of RAN Intelligent Controllers in Networking and Future Growth Opportunities to the Industry

    

A Radio Access Network (RAN) is a wireless telecommunication system that allows a standalone device to connect to its peers via a network using radio waves. In an upgrade over this system, an open RAN system was developed which provides for seamless communication between devices even if they are operated by different vendors. Thus, Open-RAN or ORAN provides for interoperability between different vendors and its entire architecture is built using cloud native principles. The software-defined component of ORAN handled by a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) whose basic function is to optimize RAN functions.

Role of RAN intelligent controllers in communication networks

Open RAN systems have some inherent drawbacks owing to their disaggregated and non-proprietary features. Both the infrastructural and operational costs are high for ORAN systems. Moreover, maintaining the entire architecture on cloud can be a cumbersome process. In such a case, RAN intelligent controllers offer network slicing and personalized services which improves the overall performance of the network. This indirectly helps in increasing the business prospects of the telecommunication vendors who, in turn, invest in improving network connectivity.

For performing this function, RIC conducts several processes such as mobility management, operation optimization process, and radio resource management. Also, RICs are designed to supervise processes pertaining to radio connection management and interference management. With the advent of advanced technologies like machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the scope of RICs is sure to expand. Studies have shown that by introducing machine learning loops, RICs can ensure real-time network optimization. Similarly, with the help of AI, RICs can take smart decisions without human interference and enhance the efficiency of the network.

Future growth opportunities for the industry

A recently published market analysis report by Allied Market Research has shed some light on the RAN intelligent controller market. The report states that the market is anticipated to grow at a massive CAGR of 58.6% by 2032. The increasing shift from 4G to 5G services in almost all developing economies of the globe has played a huge role in surging the demand for RAN controllers. Moreover, with different types of “smart” gadgets being launched every year, the complexity of telecommunication system has risen exponentially. The emergence of Internet of Things technology has further increased this complexity. In such a scenario, adoption of RAN controllers becomes necessary to establish network optimization procedures and enhance the efficiency of the network.

Apart from this, product launches by leading companies in the market have also contributed to the growth of this market. For instance, in February 2023, Mavenir, a leading telecommunications company announced that it was launching an Open RIC for resource optimization. DOCOMO, a leading mobile phone operator, also announced its plans to launch a RIC for ORAN systems.

In summary, the telecommunications industry is witnessing a massive upheaval in terms of technological advancement and the RAN intelligent controller market is no exception to this phenomenon. The crucial role played by RICs in network optimization and the increasing integration with AI and ML will create huge investment opportunities in the market in the next few years.

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