Currently, there is increase in demand for mobile network, which requires multiple base stations to cater the user needs that will be more complex to manage and extremely expensive to deploy. Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) architecture provides solution by centralizing the base stations, and thus offers a cooperative solution between multiple operators. In addition, C-RAN can be viewed as an architectural evolution over the traditional distributed base station system.

The China Mobile Research Institute introduced the C-RAN architecture in April 2010. Factors such as enhanced efficiency of the spectrum and lower total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) supplement the growth of the market. In addition, lower operational expenditure (OPEX) and convenient 4G & 5G accessibility fuel the market growth.

The other benefits of the CRAN include reuse of the infrastructure, simplification of the network operations & management, pooling of resources, and reduced energy consumption. C-RAN is specifically beneficial in low-latency network conditions. Moreover, it does not require to rebuild the transport network. However, high-capacity fronthaul requirement and high-cost optical fiber impede the stated market growth. Presently, the interface between remote radio unit (RRU) and baseband unit (BBU) is the major challenge for the implementation of the C-RAN. On the contrary, increase in adoption of cloud-based technologies and innovative service offering from telecom operators are expected to create ample opportunities for market expansion.

The architecture of CRAN consists of the baseband unit (BBU), remote radio heads (RRHs), and common public radio interface (CPRI). C-RAN is the centralized baseband processing of many cells. It features improved performance with the help of its ability to coordinate between cells. Moreover, it serves as a cost-efficient solution, due to the pooling (grouping) of the resources. This is reflected in the architecture of the C-RAN, as all of the baseband unit (BBU) computational resources are combined into a central pool. Remote radio head (RRH) collects the radio frequency signals from the distribution antennas and further transmits it to the cloud platform through a communication interface or transmission network. The aim of the C-RAN architecture is to reduce the number of the cell sites while sustaining similar coverage, which will eventually result in reduced capital expenditure and decreased operating expenses while providing enhanced network services.

ZTE Corporation, Altiostar, Nokia Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co Ltd ., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Ericsson AB, NEC Corporation, Fujitsu, and Intel Corporation are some of the key players operating in the global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market.

Segment Overview

The global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market is segmented based on deployment, network, component, and region. Based on deployment, the market is divided into indoor and outdoor. By network, it is classified into 3G and LTS & 5G. Depending on component, it is fragmented into infrastructure, solution, and services. According to infrastructure, it is classified into remote radio units, baseband units, and fronthaul. On the basis of service, the market is divided into consulting, design & deployment, maintenance & support, and others. Region wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Top Impacting Factors

Enhanced spectral efficiency, lower total-cost-of-ownership (TCO), reduced operational expenditure (OPEX), convenient 4G & 5G accessibility, high capacity fronthaul requirement, high-cost optical fiber, increase in adoption of cloud-based technologies, and innovative service offering from telecom operators are the significant factors that impact the growth of the global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market. These factors are anticipated to either drive or hamper the market growth.

Key Benefits

• This report studies the global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market with current trends and future estimations to portray the imminent investment pockets.
• The overall market potential is determined to understand the profitable trends to gain a strong foothold.
• The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities with a detailed impact analysis.
• The current market is quantitatively analyzed from 2017 to 2024 to highlight the financial competency of the market.
• Porters Five Forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.

Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market Key Segments:

By Deployment

• Indoor
• Outdoor

By Network

• 3G
• LTS & 5G

By Component

• Infrastructure
  • Remote Radio Units
  • Baseband Units
  • Fronthaul
• Solution
• Services
  • Consulting
  • Design & deployment
  • Maintenance & support
  • Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• LAMEA
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • Africa

Key Market Players Profiled

• ZTE Corporation
• Altiostar
• Nokia Corporation
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.
• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
• Ericsson AB
• NEC Corporation
• Fujitsu
• Intel Corporation