Status : Published Published On : Aug, 2022 Report Code : VRICT5145 Industry : ICT & Media Available Format : Page : 141
2025
2030

Global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market – Analysis and Forecast (2025-2030)

Industry Insights By Architecture Type (Centralized-RAN, Cloud/Virtualized RAN), By Network Type (3G, LTE & 5G), By Component (Infrastructure [Remote Radio Units, Baseband Units, Fronthaul], Software, Services [Consulting, Design & Deployment, Maintenance & Support, Others), By Deployment Model (Indoor, Outdoor)

Industry Overview

The global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market was valued at USD 8.8 billion in 2023, 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, and 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. 

Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market Highlights

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

Based on the architecture type, The Global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market is segregated 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 Network Type

The Global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market is segmented into 3G, LTE and 5G based on the network type. The LTE and 5G segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The massive growth in data traffic and significantly high power consumption by current network architecture is the major growth driver of this segment. LTE and 5G are the most efficient for C-RAN operations high speed and low latency network.

Insight by Component

On the basis of components, The Global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market is categorized into infrastructure, software and services. Among these components, the infrastructure division dominated the C-RAN market in 2023, due to the increasing adoption of radio technology and architecture to meet the 5G requirements. Infrastructure division is further classified into remote radio units, baseband units and front haul. Services division is further segregated into consulting, design & development, maintenance & support and others.

Insight by Deployment Model

The Global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market is bifurcated into indoor and outdoor on the basis of the deployment model, wherein the outdoor segment constitutes the largest market share in the C-RAN market in 2020. This deployment provides improved network coverage in high-density usage areas such as stadiums, shopping malls, and so on.

Global Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market Report Coverage

Report Metric

Details

Historical Period

2018 - 2023

Base Year Considered

2024

Forecast Period

2025 - 2030

Market Size in 2023

U.S.D.  8.8 Billion

Revenue Forecast in 2030

U.S.D.  XX Billion

Growth Rate

18.0%

Segments Covered in the Report

By Architecture Type, By Network Type, By Component, and By Deployment Model

Report Scope

Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Companies’ Strategic Developments; Market Share Analysis of Key Players; Company Profiling

Regions Covered in the Report

North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Rest of the World

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 modules 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 drive the C-RAN market.

Market Growth: The C-RAN market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Factors driving this growth include the increasing demand for high-speed data services, the need for network virtualization, and the adoption of 5G technology.

Virtualization and Software-defined Networking (SDN): C-RAN is closely associated with network virtualization and software-defined networking. SDN allows for dynamic control and management of network resources, while virtualization enables the sharing and efficient utilization of hardware resources. These technologies, combined with C-RAN, provide the foundation for flexible, agile, and cost-effective networks.

Regional Adoption: The adoption of C-RAN varies across regions. Developed regions such as North America and Europe have witnessed significant deployment of C-RAN solutions, driven by the demand for advanced mobile networks. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, such as China and South Korea, have also been early adopters of C-RAN technology.

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, as a 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 industry experts. The key profiles approached within the industry include, 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 behavior.

The Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market report offers a comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with an estimation for the forecast period 2023–2030.

Segments Covered in the Report

  • By Architecture Type
    • Centralized-RAN
    • Cloud/Virtualized RAN
  • By Network Type
    • 3G
    • LTE & 5G
  • By Component
    • Infrastructure
      • Remote Radio Units
      • Baseband Units
      • Fronthaul
    • Software
    • Services
      • Consulting
      • Design & Deployment
      • Maintenance & Support
      • Others
  • By Deployment Model
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor

Region Covered in the Report

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific (APAC)
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • Rest of the World (RoW)
    • Brazil
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • U.A.E.
    • Other Countries

Cloud Radio Access Network Size

Source: VynZ Research

Cloud Radio Access Network Analysis

Source: VynZ Research

Frequently Asked Questions

On the basis of component, the infrastructure segment accounted for the largest share in C-RAN market in 2020.
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.
The global cloud radio access network (C-RAN) market was valued at USD 8.8 billion in 2020.
On the basis of component, the infrastructure segment accounted for the largest share in C-RAN market in 2020.
On the basis of architecture type, the cloud or virtualized RAN is expected to grow at a faster pace in the global C-RAM market.

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Research Methodology

  •  Desk Research / Pilot Interviews
  •  Build Market Size Model
  •  Research and Analysis
  •  Final Deliverabvle

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