AI and RAN - How Fast Will They Run?

Description

This report delves into the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Radio Access Network (RAN), shedding light on their evolving relationship and forecasting their future trajectories.

SAMPLE VIEW

Figure 1-1: Progression of revenue shares of AI end-applications in the RAN

Source: Insight Research

In recent years, AI has emerged as a pivotal force driving innovation across industries. The telecom sector, in particular, has witnessed a transformative impact with the integration of AI into RAN architecture. The report explores this synergy, uncovering the dynamics behind their convergence and the implications for the telecommunication landscape.

"At Insight Research, we recognize the seismic shifts occurring within the telecommunications industry, and our latest report elucidates the symbiotic relationship between AI and RAN," remarked Kaustubha Parkhi, Principal Analyst at Insight Research. "We're witnessing a paradigm shift in RAN architecture, with AI playing a pivotal role in driving efficiency, agility, and performance."

Key Highlights from the Report:

The addressable market for AI in RAN will grow by an impressive 45% annually during 2023-2028
The addressable market for AI in 5G RAN will grow faster than earlier telephony generations
The APAC region will be the largest market for AI in RAN caching applications

With a meticulous breakdown of the market by application, region, and telephony generations, the report offers unparalleled quantitative insights, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Insight Research's "AI and RAN - How Fast Will They Run?" report is essential reading for telecom operators, technology providers, policymakers, and investors seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven telecommunications infrastructure.

1. Executive Summary

1.1. Key observations
1.2. Quantitative Forecast Taxonomy
1.3. Report Organization

2. AI/ML/DL - Key Concepts Explainer

2.1. Artificial Intelligence
2.2. Machine Learning (ML)
- 2.2.1. Supervised Machine Learning
- 2.2.2. Unsupervised Machine Learning
- 2.2.3. Reinforced Machine Learning
- 2.2.4. K-Nearest Neighbor
2.3. Deep Learning Neural Network (DLNN)
2.4. Noteworthy ML and DL Algorithms
- 2.4.1. Anomaly Detection
- 2.4.2. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)
- 2.4.3. Bagged Trees
- 2.4.4. CART and SVM Algorithms
- 2.4.5. Clustering
- 2.4.6. Conditional Variational Autoencoder
- 2.4.7. Convolutional Neural Network
- 2.4.8. Correlation and Clustering
- 2.4.9. Evolutionary Algorithms and Distributed Learning
- 2.4.10. Feed Forward Neural Network
- 2.4.11. Graph Neural Networks
- 2.4.12. Hybrid Cognitive Engine (HCE)
- 2.4.13. Kalman Filter
- 2.4.14. Markov Decision Processes
- 2.4.15. Multilayer Perceptron
- 2.4.16. Naïve Bayes
- 2.4.17. Radial Basis Function
- 2.4.18. Random Forest
- 2.4.19. Recurrent Neural Network
- 2.4.20. Reinforced Neural Network
- 2.4.21. SOM Algorithm
- 2.4.22. Sparse Bayesian Learning

3. Virtualization of the RAN

3.1. The RAN and its Evolution
- 3.1.1. Closer Look at E-UTRAN
- 3.1.2. 5G- NR, NSA and SA
- 3.1.3. MEC
- 3.1.4. The Rigid CPRI
3.2. The Progression of the RAN to the vRAN
3.3. How VM-based and Container-based vRANs Compare?
- 3.3.1. NFV architecture
- 3.3.2. The Need for Containers
- 3.3.3. Microservices
- 3.3.4. Container Morphology
- 3.3.5. Container Deployment Methodologies
- 3.3.6. Stateful and Stateless Containers
- 3.3.7. Advantage Containers
- 3.3.8. Challenges Confronting Containers
3.4. RAN Virtualization - A Story of Alliances
- 3.4.1. O-RAN Architecture Overview
- 3.4.2. History of O-RAN
- 3.4.3. Workgroups of O-RAN
- 3.4.4. Open vRAN (O-vRAN)
- 3.4.5. Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenRAN

4. End-applications for AI in the RAN

4.1. O-RAN and AI
- 4.1.1. Introduction
- 4.1.2. RIC, xApps and rApps
- 4.1.3. WG2 and ML
4.2. AI Use-Case - Traffic Optimization
- 4.2.1. Background
- 4.2.2. Methodologies and Challenges
- 4.2.3. AI-based Approaches
4.3. AI Use-Case - Caching
- 4.3.1. Background
- 4.3.2. Methodologies and Challenges
- 4.3.3. AI-based Approaches
4.4. AI Use-Case - Energy Management
- 4.4.1. Background
- 4.4.2. Methodologies and Challenges
- 4.4.3. AI-based Approaches
4.5. AI Use-Case - Coding
- 4.5.2. AI-based Approaches

5. Vendor Initiatives for AI in the RAN

5.1. Introduction
5.2. Salient Observations
5.3. Company and Organization Summary
5.4. Aira Channel Prediction xApp
5.5. Aira Dynamic Radio Network Management rApp
5.6. AirHop Auptim
5.7. Aspire Anomaly Detection rApp
5.8. Cisco Ultra Traffic Optimization
5.9. Capgemini RIC
5.10. Cohere MU-MIMO Scheduler
5.11. DeepSig OmniSig
5.12. Deepsig OmniPHY
5.13. Ericsson Radio System
5.14. Ericsson RIC
5.15. Fujitsu Open RAN Compliant RUs
5.16. HCL iDES rApp
5.17. Huawei PowerStar
5.18. Juniper RIC/Rakuten Symphony Symworld
5.19. Mavenir mMIMO 64TRX
5.20. Mavenir RIC
5.21. Net AI xUPscaler Traffic Predictor xApp
5.22. Nokia RAN Intelligent Controller
5.23. Nokia AVA
5.24. Nokia ReefShark Soc
5.25. Nvidia AI-on-5G platform
5.26. Opanga Networks
5.27. P.I. Works Intelligent PCI Collision and Confusion Detection rApp
5.28. Qualcomm RIC
5.29. Qualcomm Cellwize CHIME
5.30. Qualcomm Traffic Management Solutions
5.31. Rimedo Policy-controlled Traffic Steering xApp
5.32. Samsung Network Slice Manager
5.33. ZTE PowerPilot
5.34. VMware RIC

6. Telco Initiatives for AI in the RAN

6.1. Introduction
6.2. Salient Observations
6.3. Company and Organization Summary
6.4. AT&T Inc
6.5. Axiata Group Berhad
6.6. Bharti Airtel
6.7. China Mobile
6.8. China Telecom
6.9. China Unicom
6.10. CK Hutchison Holdings
6.11. Deutsche Telekom
6.12. Etisalat
6.13. Globe Telecom Inc
6.14. NTT DoCoMo
6.15. MTN Group
6.16. Ooredoo
6.17. Orange
6.18. PLDT Inc
6.19. Rakuten Mobile
6.20. Reliance Jio
6.21. Saudi Telecom Company
6.22. Singtel
6.23. SK Telecom
6.24. Softbank
6.25. Telefonica
6.26. Telenor
6.27. Telkomsel
6.28. T-Mobile US
6.29. Verizon
6.30. Viettel Group
6.31. Vodafone

7. Quantitative Analysis and Forecasts

7.1. Research Methodology
7.2. Forecast Taxonomy
7.3. Global Market
- 7.3.1. Overall Market
- 7.3.2. Mobile Telephony Generations
- 7.3.3. Geographical Regions
7.4. Traffic Optimization
- 7.4.1. Overall Market
- 7.4.2. Mobile Telephony Generations
- 7.4.3. Geographical Regions
7.5. Caching
- 7.5.1. Overall Market
- 7.5.2. Mobile Telephony Generations
- 7.5.3. Geographical Regions
7.6. Energy Management
- 7.6.1. Overall Market
- 7.6.2. Mobile Telephony Generations
- 7.6.3. Geographical Regions
7.7. Coding
- 7.7.1. Overall Market
- 7.7.2. Mobile Telephony Generations
- 7.7.3. Geographical Regions

Figures & Tables

Figure 1-1: Progression of revenue shares of AI end-applications in the RAN
Figure 3-1: VNF versus CNF Stacks
Figure 3-2: O-RAN High-Level Architecture
Figure 3-3: O-RAN High-Level Architecture
Figure 3-4: Architecture of vRAN Base Station as Visualized by TIP.
Figure 4-1: Reinforcement learning model training and actor locations per O-RAN WG2
Figure 4-2: AI/ML Workflow in the O-RAN RIC as proposed O-RAN WG2
Figure 4-3: AI/ML deployment scenarios
Table 5-1: AI in RAN Product and Solution Vendor Summary
Figure 5-1: The Aira channel detection xApp functional blocks
Figure 5-2: Modules of the Aspire Anomaly Detection rApp
Figure 5-3: OmniPHY Module Drop in Typical vRAN Stack Overview
Figure 5-4: Ericsson IAP
Figure 5-5: HCL iDES rApp Architecture
Figure 5-6: Working of the Net Ai xUPscaler
Figure 5-7: Nokia RIC programmability via AI/ML and Customized Applications
Figure 5-8: Timesharing the GPU in Nvidia Aerial A100
Figure 5-8: Rimedo TS xApp in the O-RAN architecture
Figure 5-9: Rimedo TS xApp in the VMware RIC
Figure 5-10: PowerPilot Solution Evolution
Table 6-1: AI in RAN Telco Profile Snapshot
Figure 7-1: AI in the RAN Market Forecast Taxonomy
Table 7-1: Addressable Market in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies 2023-2028 ($ million)
Table 7-2: Addressable Market in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-2: Share of Addressable Market in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028
Table 7-3: Addressable Market in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-3: Share of Addressable Market in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028
Table 7-4: Addressable Market in Traffic Optimization End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies 2023-2028 ($ million)
Table 7-5: Addressable Market in Traffic Optimization Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-4: Share of Addressable Market in Traffic Optimization End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028
Table 7-6: Addressable Market in Traffic Optimization End-Application Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-5: Share of Addressable Market in Traffic Optimization End-Application Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028
Table 7-7: Addressable Market in Caching End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies 2023-2028 ($ million)
Table 7-8: Addressable Market in Caching End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-6: Share of Addressable Market in Caching End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028
Table 7-9: Addressable Market in Caching End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-7: Share of Addressable Market in Caching End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028
Table 7-10: Addressable Market in Energy Management End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies 2023-2028 ($ million)
Table 7-11: Addressable Market in Energy Management End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-8: Share of Addressable Market in Energy Management End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028
Table 7-12: Addressable Market in Energy Management End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-9: Share of Addressable Market in Energy Management End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028
Table 7-13: Addressable Market in Coding End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies 2023-2028 ($ million)
Table 7-14: Addressable Market in Coding End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-10: Share of Addressable Market in Coding End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Mobile Telephony Generation 2023-2028
Table 7-15: Addressable Market in Coding End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028 ($ million)
Figure 7-11: Share of Addressable Market in Coding End-Application in Mobile RAN for AI and Related Technologies; by Geographical Region 2023-2028