Rakuten Mobile is known for its cloud-native approach to building and operating its network. This means that network functions traditionally implemented in dedicated hardware are virtualized and run on commodity hardware in data centers. This approach is believed to provide flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
Virtualized RAN (vRAN):
Rakuten Mobile has implemented a Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN), which involves the virtualization of baseband functions. In traditional networks, baseband processing is performed on dedicated hardware at cell sites. In a vRAN, these functions are centralized in data centers, allowing for more efficient resource utilization and easier management.
Open RAN (oRAN) Standards:
Rakuten Mobile has embraced the Open RAN concept, promoting interoperability and compatibility among network equipment from different vendors. Open RAN aims to break down the traditional vendor lock-in and allow operators to choose best-of-breed solutions for different network components.
Massive MIMO and Beamforming:
5G networks often leverage advanced antenna technologies like Massive Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) and beamforming. These techniques enhance the capacity and coverage of the network by using multiple antennas to transmit and receive data simultaneously and by focusing signals in specific directions.
Spectrum Bands:
5G networks use a variety of frequency bands, including low-band, mid-band, and high-band (mmWave) spectrum. Each frequency band has its own characteristics, offering a trade-off between coverage and data transmission speeds. Rakuten Mobile likely utilizes a mix of these bands to provide a balance between coverage and high-speed connectivity.
Network Slicing:
5G networks support network slicing, allowing operators to create virtualized, independent "slices" of the network for different use cases. This is particularly beneficial for providing customized services with varying requirements, such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).
Core Network Transformation:
The core network of Rakuten's 5G architecture likely includes a 5G Core (5GC) that facilitates end-to-end communication and service delivery. The 5GC is designed to support new capabilities and services introduced by 5G.
