The Data Storm is Coming ! Are You Ready?

The way we connect to the internet and to each other has changed radically over the last decade. The introduction of high-speed data networks, easy access to smart devices, and enormous technological innovation has transformed telecommunications.

Your customers’ demands are increasing too — they expect fast, easy, responsive access to their content, wherever they are and however they’re accessing their information. The speed and performance of smartphones and tablets must be flawless.

As a provider of networked services, you know this transformation is due to the continual evolution of Radio Access Network (RAN) technology. As this technology has continued to improve, it has enhanced the capabilities of all connected devices, and the people who use them.

The LTE Network and the Internet of Things

One of the most important changes is the introduction of LTE network. Connection speeds and reliability have continued to improve, especially with the enhancements of 4G LTE. One of the greatest innovations to come out of this data access revolution is the expansion of the mobile internet beyond smartphones and tablets.

More and more devices are getting connected, especially with the rapid uptake of the “Internet of Things.” Personal fitness solutions, cars, security cameras, home automation devices, commercial and industrial devices, and more are all part of this change in how we use, access, and share data. We now have more actively connected devices on the web than we have people on the planet! Your network needs to handle all of this data.

In addition to this uptake in connected devices, the advent of 5G technology will create impressive additional capabilities in data capacity, speed, and responsiveness. It’s expected that 5G will bring multi-Gbps speeds and latencies of less than 5ms.

Are You Ready for the Challenge?

Telecommunications businesses and other data network service providers need to be ready. This exponential growth in mobile data traffic means you need to weather the Data Storm. The challenges are significant — your network must support a much greater number and range of devices all while offering greater speeds and lower latencies.

Improving Efficiencies — Moving From D-RAN to C-RAN

If network service providers are going to deliver the speed and reliability their customers need, it’s vital the underlying data network meets the demands of this shift. This means revisiting the RAN. The traditional design of mobile networks, “Distributed RAN” or D-RAN, isn’t up to the task of handling these new requirements.

A combination of expense and inefficiency means that a new approach is needed. Without a change in the underlying technology, several studies have shown that sticking with D-RAN could lead to telecom companies not being able to handle data traffic, losing customers, and facing dwindling revenues.

There is a solution though — changing from D-RAN to C-RAN (Cloud-RAN or Centralized-RAN) will deliver the capacity your customers need, especially in populous areas. Choosing to invest in C-RAN will make mobile networks faster, more dynamic, future proof and cheaper to install and maintain. That means better demand management, an improved customer experience, enhanced retention, and sustaining a healthy telecommunications business.

How to Get Ready for the Data Revolution

Here at LambdaGain, we want you to have the right information and support to make the best choice for the future of your data network provider business. That’s why we’ve created a series of practical, insightful guides to share the advantages, challenges, and actions you need to take to prepare your fiber access network for the implementation of C-RAN solutions.

The next chapter explains how D-RAN works and its inherent problems. Chapter 3 demonstrates how C-RAN can improve on these issues. Chapter 4 explores the challenges you’ll face with C-RAN, while Chapter 5 presents the fiber access technologies that allow a mobile fronthaul today.

Read through these guides and get the insight you need to implement C-RAN effectively, future-proof your business, and prepare for the coming data storm.