Cloud-RAN And Coverage Gap in Rural Areas

This article deals with Cloud Radio Access Network (Cloud-RAN), a promising technology that can help meet mobile telephony and mobile broadband universal access requirements. After presenting the Cloud-RAN concepts and literature review, we show that an open Cloud-RAN network based on openBTS or OpenAirInterface in which dynamic spectrum management is performed could benefit in cost and performance for the extension of mobile broadband networks into rural areas. We also propose a performance and cost indicators model to judge the quality of a mobile phone system. Using the indicators, we conduct a comparative study of a basic Cloud-RAN network with a traditional network. Our results have highlighted the Cloud-RAN potential to ensure network profitability and viability, which is vital for commercial network operators.