On the Benefits of vDU Standardization in Softwarized NG-RAN: Enabling Technologies, Challenges, and Opportunities

Softwarization of Next Generation-Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) comes along with virtualization of Network Functions (NFs) as purely software-based applications, distributed among a Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Units (DU). This article demonstrates the benefits of NG-RAN softwarization that enable Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to adopt cutting-edge technologies and maximize network efficiency. In this article, we focus on the benefits of standardization of virtualized Distributed Unit (vDU), and describe NG-RAN features intended to boost network performance and maximize resource efficiencies in deployment, operation, and management, resulting in a reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), particularly when it comes to addressing different needs of new services in NG.