Huawei Technology Chief explains, why he sees Open RAN is not ready to meet the needs of 5G

Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is the first choice for network infrastructure vendors. Big names such as Nokia, Samsung, HCL are most adaptive for an Open RAN. It has a fair share of challenges and clear benefits. Even then Huawei didn’t adapt to O-RAN.

Until now, no authority responded on this matter yet. But finally, Paul Scanlan the Chief Technology Officer of Huawei Operator BG talks about, why he sees Open RAN as not ready to meet the needs of 5G, in response to a question from Mike Dano of Light Reading at 18th HAS.

Paul Scanlan elaborates that the company has already developed the software-based single RAN. This is suitable for 2G/3G and 4G remote access networks. To achieve them, we have conducted many tests, we aren’t scared of it.

He added, “we have gone through many tests. I am not saying Open RAN is not a good idea, but it is full of challenges now. The big window of 5G opportunities is not about establishing a new type of wireless access network.

About the maturity of the O-RAN network in 5G business use, Scanlan explained that about 1 million Huawei 5G base stations have been deployed to the live network by the telecom enterprises. Currently, billions of 5G network consumers are using those networks.

While pointing out the link with the risk aversion between operators, he said-

“Even if you are a company that is very good at software and/or hardware components, and you want to integrate them into OpenRAN, telecom network operators are still very conservative…No operators will give new suppliers Or an existing supplier’s new product with 100% or 50% market share.”

In response to the query raised by a foreign media reporter regardless if he has any comments related to the maturity of OpenRAN and profit-orientated hardware, when it comes to the security and clarity of the company’s virtual network functions whether this will help Huawei solve some concerns about the security of its products, He said, no problem, you are welcomed to review the company’s hardware and software.

At last, he clarified saying “We have a certification and verification plan. Let us introduce the concept of “technical diplomacy”. More collaboration is the way to improve the security of telecommunication network equipment products”.