The Future of RAN: Smarter, More Energy Efficient, Software-Defined Architecture

As mobile networks scale to meet the demands of 5G and beyond, energy efficiency and architectural flexibility have become critical priorities for operators worldwide. Rising energy costs, sustainability mandates, and the push toward Open RAN (O-RAN) are reshaping how radio units are designed. The industry is moving away from rigid, hardware-centric solutions toward software-defined architectures that deliver both performance and adaptability.

This was the impetus behind the development of the ADRV906x, Samana, a fully software-defined radio unit system-on-chip (SoC) that enables unprecedented flexibility. Operators can configure small cells and macro cells (4T4R or 8T8R) with a single board design, supporting all LTE and NR FR1 bands in TDD, FDD, or mixed modes. Chip-to-chip connectivity allows antenna scaling, simplifying portfolio expansion and accelerating time-to-market.

Traditional radio units consume significant power, contributing to high operational costs and a growing carbon footprint. With networks expanding and traffic patterns fluctuating, operators need smarter solutions that dynamically optimize energy use without compromising performance. This challenge is not just technical—it’s strategic, impacting profitability and environmental responsibility.

Modern radio platforms are tackling this challenge through a layered approach.

• Integrated Low PHY Stack: By embedding O-RAN-compliant low PHY functionality directly into the radio unit SoC, designs can eliminate external FPGA components, reducing size, weight, and power consumption.
• Discontinuous Transmission (DTx): Automated low-power states during idle traffic allow radios to enter microsleep or deep hibernation modes, delivering energy savings of up to 90% during low-load periods.
• Gen 6 Digital Predistortion (DPD): Builds on previous generations by improving the efficiency of high power macro power amplifiers (PAs) at full output power, delivering meaningful energy savings during high traffic periods while maintaining signal quality.
• Cascading Savings: When combined, these techniques create a compounding effect—significantly reducing energy consumption across peak and off-peak cycles.

Beyond efficiency and flexibility, these new platforms integrate advanced features that enhance performance and reliability.

• O-RAN Compliance: Interoperability-tested low PHY/eCPRI stack ensures seamless integration into Open RAN ecosystems.
• Gen 6 DPD: Machine learning-driven algorithms optimize PA performance, improving adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) by up to 5 dB and boosting error vector magnitude (EVM).
• PIM Cancellation and Linearization Algorithms: Deliver cleaner signals and reduced interference for wideband deployments.
• Security: Embedded MACSec encryption and secure boot protect against evolving network threats.

Samsung Networks Business, a leader in driving energy efficiency in the RAN—including 5G radio units—was deeply engaged in implementing several of these advanced energy-saving features. Working closely with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a global semiconductor leader, Samsung Networks Business helped validate and integrate techniques such as discontinuous transmission, and machine learning-driven DPD optimization. This joint effort underscores how partnerships between technology innovators can accelerate the adoption of sustainable, high-performance solutions across global networks. Reflecting on this, Samsung Networks’ team commented, "Our joint effort with ADI underscores our commitment to advancing 5G networks with cutting-edge technology solutions. Samana enables us to achieve our energy efficiency goals while optimizing radio performance and network security."

For operators, these innovations translate into lower energy usage, costs and associated emissions, and accelerated Open RAN adoption. By consolidating RF and digital processing into a single SoC, the industry is moving toward a future where radio units are not only more efficient but also more adaptable to evolving standards and traffic demands.