In C-RAN, the mobile communication functions are converted into Virtual Machines (VMs) to be implemented on general-purpose servers and integrated within the cloud. C-RAN is basically a virtual base station/Software-Defined Radio Access Network (SD-RAN) that uses the basic concept of virtualized functions to deliver new networks. It also has a software-based configuration, hence it can be collaborated with key innovators to build enhanced networking functions. 360Quadrants has identified top 10 Cloud Radio Access Network Solutions (C-RAN Software) providers, as below.

Top 10 Cloud Radio Access Network Solutions (C-RAN Software)

These are the organizations that offer established and reliable digital transformation solutions and services and also are strategically and geographically well placed.  Some of the major players are:

1. Nokia Corporation
2. Huawei Technologies
3. Ericsson Inc
4. ZTE Corporation
5. Mavenir
6. Samsung
7. Fujitsu Limited
8. NEC Corporation
9. AltioStar
10. Intel Corporation

Top C-Ran Software Features

C-Ran Software lays a foundation for the 5G network structure. It helps in supporting the increasing demand for mobile data traffic and maintaining the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) at a reasonable level. Below mentioned are of some of the features that businesses can consider prior to choosing an ideal C-Ran software:

1. Cloud Optimized Network Applications
2. Resource Arrangement
3. Layer Networking
4. Scalability
5. Resource Pooling
6. Spectral Efficiency
7. Network Orchestration

Top 10 Upcoming Companies

These new entrants are the firms that have a great understanding of the latest technologies and trends, right from their inception. These companies may not be so widespread geographically, but they have offerings. These vendors are generally the ones who are beginning to emerge in terms of product portfolio and geographical coverage, and will need some time to gain traction in the market. Some of the emerging new entrants are:

1. Telia Company
2. Oberthur Technologies
3. Netscout Systems
4. Inmarsat Communications
5. Radisys Corporation
6. Artiza Networks
7. Anristu Corporation
8. 6Wind
9. EXFO
10. Infinera Corporation

The vendors are placed into 4 categories based on their performance in each criterion: “Visionary Leaders,” “Innovators,” “Dynamic Differentiators,” and “Emerging Companies.” The players evaluated include Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Cisco Systems, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Altiostar, NEC Corporation, ZTE Corporation, Ericsson AB, Fujitsu, Intel Corporation, Aritza Networks, Radisys Corporation, Xillinx Inc., Mavenir Systems, ASOCS Ltd., Texas Instruments Inc., Anritsu, Commscope, Infinera Corporation, EXFO Inc., Amphenol Corporation, Viavi Solutions Inc., 6Wind, Airspan Networks, and Dali Wireless. The analysis was carried out based on specific parameters and the scores were assigned accordingly.

Vendors who fall into this category receive high scores for most of the evaluation criterion. The vendors in this MicroQuadrant have a strong and established product portfolio, and a very strong market presence. They provide mature and reputable C-RAN services that cater to a wide range of verticals, globally. They also have strong business strategies. The visionary leaders in the C-RAN market include Nokia Corporation, Ericsson AB, ZTE Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and NEC Corporation.

They are established vendors with very strong business strategies. However, they are low in their product portfolios. They generally focus on a specific type of technology related to the product. The vendors included in this MicroQuadrant have a good customer base and are providers of software and services catering to the other technologies as well. The dynamic differentiators in the C-RAN market include Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Fujitsu, and Altiostar.

Innovators in the MicroQuadrant are vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. They have very focused product portfolios. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business. Innovators in the C-RAN market include Radisys Corporation, Mavenir Systems, ASOCS Ltd., Commscope, and 6Wind.

They are vendors with niche product offerings, who are starting to gain their recognition in the market. They do not have very strong business strategies as compared to the other established vendors. They might be new entrants in the market and require some more time before getting a significant traction. The emerging players in the C-RAN market include Intel Corporation, Aritza Networks, Texas Instruments Inc., Anritsu, Infinera Corporation, EXFO Inc., Amphenol Corporation, Viavi Solutions Inc., Airspan Networks, and Dali Wireless.