Flexible C-RAN: Radio technology for 5G

Conventional radio access networks are designed to utilize static configuration and are statically deployed. As results they are inefficient in handling any spatio-temporal fluctuations of the underlying traffic demand. Cloud-RAN represents a novel centralized technology based on softwareization and virtualization technology that can efficiently address the problems of legacy networks. Cloud-RAN facilitates high data rates as well as high network and radio adaptability across the software defined wireless networks. This paper elaborates the CRAN concept providing overview of current status, relevant features and research challenges related to it. Moreover, the paper presents a developed demo platform capable of efficient virtualization of different types of wireless technologies that belong to a heterogeneous wireless environment. It utilizes commercial and open-source solutions, such as OpenStack and SDR software. The performance analysis highlights the behavior of GSM and LTE technologies, with respect to cloud resource allocation. The paper also discusses some aspects and technical requirements for a C-RAN based dynamical resource allocation.