The role of Disaggregation in evolving 5G RAN architectures - PIMRC 2020

5G radio access networks are still evolving. Significant enhancements include a move towards massive MIMO and wider spectrum bandwidths. In parallel, the whole RAN architecture is evolving to become densified, virtualised and disaggregated. Hence the RAN design is no longer just about the cell site and the backhaul, it now also includes fronthaul, midhaul, data centres (both cloud and edge). Many of these technology and architecture changes complement one another, however there are also many trade-offs. The focus of this panel session will be to discuss the evolving 5G RAN design and to highlight where the main benefits are foreseen (or already experienced), what are the key trade-offs that can impact RAN design, and what are the main opportunities for us to steer the industry in the right direction. Organised by: Richard Mackenzie, Researcher, BT