Industry Overview

The global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market was valued at USD 8.8 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 18.0% during the forecast period. Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) refers to the centralized/cloud radio access network and is the liaison between the core network and mobile phone users. Increasing the number of mobile phone users, adoption of cloud infrastructure across industries, competition among the mobile network providers for launching 5G networks are expected to boost the demand for low cost and vastly scalable C-RAN technology. 

The major drivers in the market include accessibility to LTE and 5G networks, expense reduction measures taken by the mobile service providers in terms of capital and operational expenditure, growing technological advancements in optical communications and wireless technologies. The C-RAN technology acts as the low-cost transmission module for the data transmission between Remote Radio Head and Base Band Unit. Moreover, the introduction of real-time virtualization technology consents dynamic resource allocation and supports multi-vendor environments.

Market Segmentation

Insight by Architecture Type

On the basis of architecture type, the cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market is segmented into centralized-RAN and cloud/virtualized RAN. Owing to the technological advancements in wireless, optical, and other communication systems, centralized-RAN architecture maintains the dominant position. However, the cloud or virtualized RAN is expected to grow at a faster pace considering the increase in adoption of software-defined networking (SDN) technology and network function virtualization (NFV) technology by the telecommunication industry. Moreover, NFV technology is expected to be the prominent solution to boosting bandwidth requirements for 5G carriers. The utilization of SDN technology further boosts the signaling between cells and also optimizes the resources for the betterment of end user experience.

Insight by Component

On the basis of component, the C-RAN market is categorized into infrastructure, software, and services. Among these components, the infrastructure segment accounted for the largest share in C-RAN market in 2019, owing to the increasing adoption of radio technology and architecture to meet the 5G requirements.

Insight by Deployment Model

On the basis of deployment model, the C-RAN market is segmented into indoor and outdoor. The outdoor segment constitutes the largest market share in C-RAN market in 2020. This deployment provides improved network coverage in high-density usage areas such as stadiums, shopping malls and so on.

Industry Dynamics

Industry Trends

Strategic partnerships and utilization of C-RAN across network types are the major trends in the market. The companies operating in the global C-RAN market are focusing on partnerships with mobile network providers to gain a competitive advantage. In 2019, Cisco announced its partnership with VodafoneZiggo for the implementation of the RAN automation strategy.

Growth Drivers

The increasing investments in LTE and 5G technologies are expected to boost the cloud radio access network market. The advantages provided by the C-RAN technology include separation module for baseband and radio base stations that are further consolidated to provide Base Band Units (BBUs) which makes it more suitable for LTE and 5G technologies. Furthermore, the energy efficiency features further drives the C-RAN market.

Challenges

The differentiation in terms of regulatory frameworks across key countries acts as a challenge for the C-RAN market. Further, limited awareness within the mobile service providers complements further challenges for the C-RAN market.

Opportunities

The increased adoption of cloud technologies and telecom operators’ innovations in terms of service offerings acts as opportunities for C-RAN providers for service expansions. The C-RAN vendors are investing in process improvements to ensure improved efficiencies for the network providers.  

Geographic Overview

Geographically, North America held the largest share in the global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market in 2020, owing to the high adoption rates. Besides, the region is connected with complex networks across the industries in diverse verticals, this will further upsurge the growth of the C-RAN market in years to come.

Further, Europe and APAC hold the second and third largest share in the global C-RAN market share respectively, due to the growing mobile users, and the increasing deployment of cloud and 5G technologies across industries, this as result is also creating a positive impact on the market growth globally. 

Competitive Insight

Key players in the global C-RAN market are regularly focusing on new product development, partnerships, and collaborations to sustain and attain a competitive edge in the market. Further, mergers & acquisitions are other key strategies adopted by the players in the ecosystem. For instance, in 2019, Rakuten announced a strategic partnership with Altiostar to enhance its product portfolio across LTE and 5G technologies.

Some of the key players operating in the global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market are Nokia Corp, Cisco Systems, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, ZTE Corp, Altiostar, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, NEC Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Fujitsu, Intel Corporation, and ASOCS Ltd.

Primary Research

VynZ Research conducts extensive primary research to understand the market dynamics, validate market data and have key opinions from the industry experts. The key profiles approached within the industry includes, CEO, CFO, CTO, President, Vice President, Product Managers, Regional Heads and Others. Also, end user surveys comprising of consumers are also conducted to understand consumer behaviour.

Source: VynZ Research

Source: VynZ Research

1.    Research Overview 

        1.1.    The Report Offers
        1.2.    Market Coverage
                1.2.1.    By Architecture type
                1.2.2.    By Network Type 
                1.2.3.    By Component
                1.2.4.    By Deployment Model
                1.2.5.    By Region
        1.3.    Research Phases
        1.4.    Limitations
        1.5.    Research Methodology
                1.5.1.    Data Sources
                        1.5.1.1.    Primary Research
                        1.5.1.2.    Secondary Research
                1.5.2.    Methodology
                        1.5.2.1.    Data Exploration
                        1.5.2.2.    Forecast Parameters
                        1.5.2.3.    Data Validation
                        1.5.2.4.    Assumptions
                1.5.3.    Study Period & Data Reporting Unit

2.    Executive Summary

3.    Industry Overview

        3.1.    Industry Dynamics
                3.1.1.    Market Growth Drivers
                3.1.2.    Market Restraints
                3.1.3.    Key Market Trends
                3.1.4.    Major Opportunities
        3.2.    Industry Ecosystem
                3.2.1.    Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
                3.2.2.    Recent Development Analysis
                3.2.3.    Value Chain Analysis
        3.3.    Competitive Insight
                3.3.1.    Competitive Position of Industry Players
                3.3.2.    Market Attractive Analysis
                3.3.3.    Market Share Analysis

4.    Global Market Estimate and Forecast

        4.1.    Global Market Overview
        4.2.    Global Market Estimate and Forecast to 2027

5.    Market Segmentation Estimate and Forecast

        5.1.    By Architecture
                5.1.1.    Centralized-RAN
                        5.1.1.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                5.1.2.    Cloud/Virtualized RAN
                        5.1.2.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
        5.2.    By Network Type 
                5.2.1.    3G
                        5.2.1.1.    Market Definition
                        5.2.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                5.2.2.    LTE & 5G
                        5.2.2.1.    Market Definition
                        5.2.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
        5.3.    By Component
                5.3.1.    Infrastructure
                        5.3.1.1.    Remote Radio Units
                                5.3.1.1.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.1.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                        5.3.1.2.    Baseband Units
                                5.3.1.2.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.1.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                        5.3.1.3.    Fronthaul
                                5.3.1.3.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.1.3.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                5.3.2.    Software
                        5.3.2.1.    Market Definition
                        5.3.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                5.3.3.    Services
                        5.3.3.1.    Consulting
                                5.3.3.1.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.3.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                        5.3.3.2.    Design & Deployment
                                5.3.3.2.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.3.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                        5.3.3.3.    Maintenance & Support
                                5.3.3.3.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.3.3.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                        5.3.3.4.    Others
                                5.3.3.4.1.    Market Definition
                                5.3.3.4.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
        5.4.    By Deployment Model
                5.4.1.    Indoor
                        5.4.1.1.    Market Definition
                        5.4.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027
                5.4.2.    Outdoor
                        5.4.2.1.    Market Definition
                        5.4.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2027

6.    North America Market Estimate and Forecast

        6.1.    By Architecture Type
        6.2.    By Network Type 
        6.3.    By Component
        6.4.    By Deployment Model
        6.5.    By Country
                6.5.1.    U.S. Market Estimate and Forecast
                6.5.2.    Canada Market Estimate and Forecast
                6.5.3.    Mexico Market Estimate and Forecast

7.    Europe Market Estimate and Forecast

        7.1.    By Architecture Type
        7.2.    By Network Type 
        7.3.    By Component
        7.4.    By Deployment Model
        7.5.    By Country
                7.5.1.    Germany Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.5.2.    U.K. Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.5.3.    Rest of Europe Market Estimate and Forecast

8.    Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast

        8.1.    By Architecture Type
        8.2.    By Network Type 
        8.3.    By Component
        8.4.    By Deployment Model
        8.5.    By Country 
                8.5.1.    China Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.5.2.    Japan Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.5.3.    South Korea Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.5.4.    Rest of Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast

9.    Rest of the World (RoW) Market Estimate and Forecast

        9.1.    By Architecture Type
        9.2.    By Network Type 
        9.3.    By Component
        9.4.    By Deployment Model
        9.5.    By Country
                9.5.1.    Brazil Market Estimate and Forecast
                9.5.2.    Other Countries Market Estimate and Forecast

10.    Company Profiles

        10.1.    Cisco Systems, Inc.
                10.1.1.    Snapshot
                10.1.2.    Overview
                10.1.3.    Offerings
                10.1.4.    Financial Insight
                10.1.5.    Recent Developments
        10.2.    Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.
                10.2.1.    Snapshot
                10.2.2.    Overview
                10.2.3.    Offerings
                10.2.4.    Financial Insight
                10.2.5.    Recent Developments
        10.3.    ZTE Corp.
                10.3.1.    Snapshot
                10.3.2.    Overview
                10.3.3.    Offerings
                10.3.4.    Financial Insight
                10.3.5.    Recent Developments
        10.4.    Altiostar 
                10.4.1.    Snapshot
                10.4.2.    Overview
                10.4.3.    Offerings
                10.4.4.    Financial Insight
                10.4.5.    Recent Developments
        10.5.    Nokia Corp.
                10.5.1.    Snapshot
                10.5.2.    Overview
                10.5.3.    Offerings
                10.5.4.    Financial Insight
                10.5.5.    Recent Developments
        10.6.    Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
                10.6.1.    Snapshot
                10.6.2.    Overview
                10.6.3.    Offerings
                10.6.4.    Financial Insight
                10.6.5.    Recent Developments
        10.7.    NEC Corporation
                10.7.1.    Snapshot
                10.7.2.    Overview
                10.7.3.    Offerings
                10.7.4.    Financial Insight
                10.7.5.    Recent Developments
        10.8.    Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
                10.8.1.    Snapshot
                10.8.2.    Overview
                10.8.3.    Offerings
                10.8.4.    Financial Insight
                10.8.5.    Recent Developments
        10.9.    Fujitsu
                10.9.1.    Snapshot
                10.9.2.    Overview
                10.9.3.    Offerings
                10.9.4.    Financial Insight
                10.9.5.    Recent Developments
        10.10.    Intel Corporation
                10.10.1.    Snapshot
                10.10.2.    Overview
                10.10.3.    Offerings
                10.10.4.    Financial Insight
                10.10.5.    Recent Developments
        10.11.    ASOCS Ltd.
                10.11.1.    Snapshot
                10.11.2.    Overview
                10.11.3.    Offerings
                10.11.4.    Financial Insight
                10.11.5.    Recent Developments

11.    Appendix

        11.1.    Exchange Rates
        11.2.    Abbreviations

Note: Financial insight and recent developments of different companies are subject to availability of information in secondary domain.

List of Tables

Table 1 Sources
Table 2 Study Periods
Table 3 Data Reporting Unit
Table 4 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 5 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 6 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 7 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 8 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 9 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 10 Global C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 11 Global C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 12 Global C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 13 Global C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 14 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 15 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 16 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Region, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 17 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Region, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 18 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 19 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 20 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 21 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 22 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 23 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 24 North America C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 25 North America C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 26 North America C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 27 North America C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 28 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 29 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 30 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 31 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 32 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 33 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 34 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 35 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 36 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 37 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 38 Europe C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 39 Europe C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 40 Europe C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 41 Europe C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 42 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 43 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 44 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 45 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 46 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 47 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 48 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 49 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 50 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 51 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 52 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 53 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 54 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 55 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 56 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 57 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 58 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 59 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 60 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 61 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 62 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 63 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 64 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 65 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 66 RoW C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 67 RoW C-RAN Market Size for Infrastructure Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 68 RoW C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 69 RoW C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 70 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 71 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 72 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2020 (USD Million)
Table 73 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2021 – 2027 (USD Million)
Table 74 Snapshot – Cisco Systems, Inc.
Table 75 Snapshot – Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Table 76 Snapshot – ZTE Corp
Table 77 Snapshot – Altiostar
Table 78 Snapshot – Nokia Corp
Table 79 Snapshot – Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Table 80 Snapshot – NEC Corporation
Table 81 Snapshot – Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Table 82 Snapshot – Fujitsu
Table 83 Snapshot – Intel Corporation
Table 84 Snapshot – ASOCS Ltd.

List of Figures

Figure 1 Market Coverage
Figure 2 Research Phases
Figure 3 Secondary Sources for Different Parameters
Figure 4 Methodology
Figure 5 Data Mining & Exploration
Figure 6 Data Triangulation
Figure 7 Assumptions for Market Estimation and Forecast
Figure 8 Market Synopsis
Figure 9 Global C-RAN Market - Growth Drivers and Restraints
Figure 10 Competitive Benchmark
Figure 11 Global C-RAN Market Highlight
Figure 12 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 13 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 14 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 15 Global C-RAN Market Size for Professional Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 16 Global C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 17 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 18 Global C-RAN Market Size, by Region, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 19 North America C-RAN Market Highlight
Figure 20 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 21 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 22 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 23 North America C-RAN Market Size for Professional Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 24 North America C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 25 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 26 North America C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 27 Europe C-RAN Market Highlight
Figure 28 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 29 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 30 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 31 Europe C-RAN Market Size for Professional Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 32 Europe C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 33 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 34 Europe C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 35 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Highlight
Figure 36 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 37 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 38 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 39 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size for Professional Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 40 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 41 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 42 Asia-Pacific C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 43 RoW C-RAN Market Highlight
Figure 44 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Architecture Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 45 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Network Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 46 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Component, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 47 RoW C-RAN Market Size for Professional Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 48 RoW C-RAN Market Size for Service Component, by Type, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 49 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Deployment Model, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)
Figure 50 RoW C-RAN Market Size, by Country, 2015 – 2027 (USD Million)