radio access network (RAN)
The RAN is a critical part of wireless communication systems, enabling the connection between user devices and the core network, using wireless radio waves.[1][2]
The RAN consists of various elements, including radio equipment like antennas and base stations, which are strategically placed to cover specific geographic areas.
In the context of 5G networks, the RAN architecture includes the user equipment (UE), the next-generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), which is the 5G base station, and the distributed unit (DU). The gNB serves a particular area, known as a cell, and is a critical part of the 5G New Radio (NR) standard that supports multiple frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands[1][2].
Historically, antennas and baseband units had to be in the same location, very close to each other. Today, the RAN is largely software-driven and is increasingly implemented using cloud-native principles. This has enabled the radio network to become more agile and flexible.
Open RAN is another significant trend in RAN development, promoting interoperability and the use of standard, open hardware and software interfaces for cellular wireless networks. This approach allows for a more diverse vendor ecosystem and can lead to cost reductions and improved total cost of ownership (TCO)[1][7].
Citations:
[1] https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/radio-access-network-RAN
[2] https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-radio-access-network
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_access_network
[4] https://www.trentonsystems.com/blog/radio-access-network-ran
[5] https://www.vodafone.com/business/news-and-insights/glossary/what-is-a-radio-access-network-ran
[6] https://www.celona.io/network-infrastructure/radio-access-network
[7] https://www.sdxcentral.com/5g/ran/definitions/radio-access-network/