Full Virtualized 5G RAN in Distributed Antenna Systems: Technical Design, Simulations and Business Analysis

This thesis examines the impact of Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) technology on modern Distributed Antenna System (DAS) design. The study compares the implementation of a vRAN-based DAS with a traditional Base Transceiver Station (BTS) based DAS. The research was carried out in collaboration with JMA, a wireless communication solutions provider. JMA provided the necessary information and support to simulate both a traditional DAS and a vRAN-based DAS, designed using their products. The simulations were conducted in multiple scenarios with different requirements, to examine the impact of vRAN technology on DAS performance. Additionally, the study includes a comparison with a competitor solution to provide a comprehensive overview of the DAS market. The aim is to evaluate the design, technological differences, and economic impact of each approach. The study found that vRAN technology can create new possibilities, such as direct communication between Radio Units and the BBU. The results show that the vRAN-based DAS approach can provide a more attractive and budget-friendly solution for operators, combining cost-effectiveness and high performance. The thesis concludes that vRAN technology can have a significant impact on modern DAS design. The collaboration with JMA allowed for a deep understanding of the current state-of-the-art in DAS design and provided valuable insights into the potential benefits of vRAN-based DAS implementation.