Discusses 5G Challenge at 03:20

AUSTIN – Big 5G Event – Mobile and wireless are rapidly becoming core components for cable operators in the US and abroad as they evolve and expand their broader "connectivity" strategies. That has also led operators to pursue virtual RAN technologies and a potential leap to open RAN.

CableLabs is conducting work across those areas, believing that the industry is reaching a "tipping point" and transitioning from vRAN to open RAN, said Mark Poletti, the lead wireless architect at Colorado-based CableLabs. The advantages of open RAN include deployment flexibility, vendor diversity and a more competitive ecosystem, he said.