Since the introduction of mobile networks, wireless communications technology continues to evolve. And if it seems to be advancing more quickly than ever before, that’s not an illusion – the adoption of 5G technology is growing faster than any previous mobile technology generation.

But this relentless evolution doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it creates ripple effects across the telecommunications landscape, impacting network technology in many ways. So, with that in mind, what other trends can we expect to see in 2024 and beyond?

Going Private

The rapid rise of 5G is largely due to a range of benefits this technology brings, including ultra-low latency, faster data speeds, and high reliability. Not surprisingly, many enterprises, universities, and manufacturers find that these advantages also make 5G ideal for private networks, particularly when using unlicensed spectrum such as Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) frequency bands throughout buildings and across campuses.

Private 5G network deployment provides dedicated bandwidth, scalable capacity, and reliable security that delivers seamless connectivity for mobile and IoT-enabled devices, as well as mission-critical industrial use cases, improving both productivity and profitability. In fact, with high accuracy and low latency, private 5G networks empower innovative, data-driven Industry 4.0 edge applications such as manufacturing automation, occupational health and safety, real-time indoor/ outdoor positioning intelligence, smart asset tracking, and predictive maintenance. As a result, we can expect to see continued adoption of private 5G networks across a wide range of industries.

Open to Opportunity

For many mobile network operators (MNOs), the key to realizing the true promise of 5G is the continued disaggregation of network architecture with the adoption of Open RAN. That’s because MNOs can reduce costs, improve performance, and speed service delivery with open, multi-vendor networks that are compliant with interoperability standards like the O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications, as opposed to being locked in a single or dual-vendor approach.

As the mobile industry continues to embrace an open ecosystem for wide-area networks, Open RAN technology also impacts the evolution of network architecture for in-building networks, driving the need for greater interoperability among distributed antenna systems (DAS) components. For example, interoperability between Open RAN technology and a neutral host DAS RF interface unit enables network operators, neutral hosts, and system integrators to reduce space and power requirements for faster, simpler in-building coverage deployments to create a truly seamless 5G experience everywhere.

Moreover, the anticipated surge in private 5G networks will continue to drive innovative advancements, such as the SOLiD CBRS O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU) designed to improve service agility, scalability, and efficiency of private 5G networks. With support for 4G LTE and 5G New Radio (NR) in standalone (SA) or non-standalone (NSA) architecture, this O-RU is compatible with various virtual or physical baseband products via an eCPRI interface.

Likewise, the evolution to more open, multi-vendor networks is creating a desire to further reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Technology like the SOLiD Fronthaul Multiplexer (MUX) eliminates the need for dedicated bandwidth for each radio unit, enabling more economical use of spectrum.

RAN Sharing Revolution

The desire for more efficient use of spectrum also is contributing to a growing interest in active RAN sharing, which helps MNOs reduce costs and avoid potential problems caused by over-building their networks. This shared infrastructure approach offers a number of benefits, from improved cost efficiencies to reduced environmental impacts, and various configuration options range from minimum to maximum sharing.

With a multi-operator RAN (MORAN), multiple MNOs share radios, antennas, towers, and power, while retaining dedicated baseband units (BBUs). The MORAN configuration allows full visibility and control of BBU equipment but requires changes to fronthaul switches to enable multiple interfaces. A ‘shared O-RU’ feature is a cost-effective option when implementing O-RAN networks.

Alternatively, with a multi-operator core network (MOCN) architecture, multiple MNOs share one or more CBRS channels to achieve maximum RAN sharing and cost efficiency. This configuration allows MNOs to pool spectrum allocations for greater resource efficiency, although it affords limited visibility of the RAN. As MNOs face ever-greater cost pressures, active RAN sharing is expected to grow in popularity, and we anticipate that both MORAN and MOCN will be implemented.

Service on Demand

An emerging trend across many different network technologies is the rise of Network as a Service (NaaS) offerings, due to the appeal of reduced capital expenditures (CapEx), faster service provision, and simplified management. Likewise, for some commercial building owners and enterprises, the best option to quickly obtain pervasive in-building coverage may be with a neutral-host DAS as a NaaS offering.

This DAS NaaS option, such as the service provided by SOLiD’s partner Tillman Digital Cities, takes the guesswork out of in-building connectivity with an end-to-end turnkey system. As the owner and operator of the in-building DAS infrastructure, TDC finances, operates, manages, and maintains the network powered by the SOLiD ALLIANCE 5G fiber-to-the-edge DAS, delivering maximum bandwidth and low power consumption in an unobtrusive design.

Tomorrow and Beyond

As future mobile networks evolve to progressively more open, shared architectures, these network changes will transform how in-building DAS equipment operates. SOLiD has been at the forefront of connectivity technology innovation for 25 years, and we will continue to deliver the most efficient, sustainable, cutting-edge technologies for always-on, in-building connectivity. To learn more, visit: https://solid.com/us/open-ran.