WHAT IS OPEN RAN 5G? 

Heads up, this one’s a bit technical, but don’t worry — we’re here to break it down. 

Short for “Open Radio Access Network,” Open RAN is a new way of building 5G networks that is more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective.

Open RAN breaks the mold by allowing different tech providers to work together, using open standards. This makes it easier to roll out 5G networks faster and at lower costs. At Boost Mobile, we proudly embrace Open RAN 5G because it helps us bring affordable next-gen connectivity to more people.

Open RAN’s Role in the Future of Wireless

Open RAN is shaping the future of wireless by breaking down the old rules of how mobile networks are built. Open RAN opens the door for different tech companies to collaborate - creating a smarter, more adaptable 5G network. This shift means faster innovation, stronger competition, and more reliable service.

As a leading provider of 5G, Open RAN is part of how we’re building a network designed for the future — one that’s more affordable, more flexible, and ready to keep up with whatever comes next. Plus, we can pass these savings directly to your wallet!

What Is RAN and How Does It Work in 5G Networks?

To wrap our heads around ORAN, we need to understand what RAN is first. Let's start with the basics.

A cellular network is made up of a bunch of individual areas, called cells. The RAN, or radio access network, is the radio element of a cell. In the case of 5G wireless architecture, the RAN links users' phones back to the core network. Think of RAN as the arteries that connect the body (users' phones) to the heart (core network).

Most of us have heard terms like 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G. These are the names for the different generations of RAN tech. When 4G came out in the 2000s, it introduced LTE, or Long-Term Evolution RAN.

LTE changed how the radio access network and the core network talked to each other, basing it in software protocols, like Internet Protocol (IP), rather than circuits and other expensive and clunky hardware. This pivot to software-centric design means RAN tech is leaner, meaner, and greener.

Boost Mobile's 5G network offers pure 5G, meaning our towers only carry 5G tech. Since we're in our peak 5G era, and as RAN continues to evolve, interesting new possibilities are on the table. One of these possibilities is a concept called ORAN, or Open RAN.

Let’s dig into the beauty of ORAN!

Benefits of Open RAN in 5G Network Architecture

In traditional RAN architectures, many parts of the network are proprietary, designed to only work with specific components or vendors. This forces the other carriers to be dependent on vendors, limiting the ability to quickly upgrade and launch updates and repairs. Mostly, it's costly and you can bet those costs are getting passed directly to your wallet.

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Open RAN isn't just a behind-the-scenes upgrade - it directly benefits Boost Mobile customers. By using a more open, flexible network structure, we can roll out 5G faster and at a lower cost, which helps us keep our plans affordable without cutting corners. It also boosts performance, making our network faster and more responsive where and when it counts. At Boost, innovation without compromise is the mission - and Open RAN helps us deliver on that promise every day.

Check out our affordable 5G plans. All powered by the latest in wireless network innovation.