RAN Architectural Evolution Framework toward 5G and Beyond Cellular-An Overview

In this paper, an explicit interpretation on how different enabling technologies over generations are brought up and coordinated for migration from a distributed, to a centralized, and then to a virtualized RAN for 5G and beyond cellular is given. In doing so, by pointing out major enabling technologies, we present a framework for RAN evolution and discuss its architectural migration over time and generations, namely from the current 4G to the upcoming 5G and beyond mobile networks, based on both functional split and physical placement in access networks.