Many more have laid out plans to deploy 5G networks in the future using Open RAN technology. A few top telecom carriers have already launched small-scaled Open RAN 5G networks as early as mid-2021. networks based on disaggregated RAN components with standardized interoperability, including the use of non-proprietary white-box hardware, open-source software from different vendors, and open interfaces) development to eliminate the proprietary nature of RAN systems, diversify the vendor supply chain in the telecom industry, bring more innovation, reduce the cost of RAN deployment (remember that 5G deployment cost is more expensive than 4G), and reduce the cost of operation.

Telecom operators are pushing Open RAN (i.e. Legacy telecom system vendors such as Huawei, Ericsson, and Nokia hold a large share of the 5G infrastructure market, according to IDTechEx, with Huawei dominating with 36% in 2020, followed by Ericsson with 27%. The deployment of 5G infrastructure is critical to enabling widespread 5G adoption. Furthermore, the report also provides a thorough overview of the 5G mmWave industry, a review of key players, a supply chain analysis, and a look at the vertical applications made possible by mmWave technology. In this report, IDTechEx assesses the technical pain points and explores the trends and innovations for both 5G materials and design to overcome these bottlenecks. Because of the short wavelength of mmWave communications, the device is becoming increasingly compact and integrated, making power and thermal management even more critical.

Low-loss materials with a minimal dielectric constant and tan loss, for example, as well as advanced packaging solutions, are required for mmWave devices to prevent excessive transmission loss. Such a high frequency necessitates the development of new materials as well as new device designs. MmWave, which was previously solely used for military, and satellite, and automotive radar communication purposes, has recently been introduced to the frequency pool for mobile communications, enabling a maximum data throughput of 20 Gbps with an ultralow latency of 1 ms.

Magazine article on 5g technology