 the baseband capabilities are handled using software functions, which can be hosted on a general-purpose IT server, as opposed to custom hardware for this purpose. As a result, vRAN improves the support for multi-vendor 5G ecosystems and avoids vendor lock-in. This helps to reduce network costs and accelerates the rollout of innovative services. Let us review the C-RAN architecture to understand its benefits. We must first understand two concepts, BBU and RRH, and how they are part of the C-RAN architecture. BBU pooling or the Base Station Hotels (BSHs) facilitate the creation of the master base stations. The RRH, on the other hand, permits the 5G operator to have many network access points. In some ways, this is like the hub-and-spoke paradigm, as shown in Figure 12.4: Master Base Station Figure 12.4 - A simplified view of C-RAN As we try to increase the density of devices in 5G, especially in places with a lot of users, such as an airport or a large office complex, mall, or sports stadium, it stresses the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) to its maximum extent. It is expensive to keep adding more BTSs, which increases the risk of signal interference in the network. One solution is to separate the base station into two parts: the BBU and the RRH. This enables the 5G network operators to support a larger number of network access points and leverage the master base station to centralize the baseband functionality. With the use of such a master or C-RAN base station, the overall management and infrastructure of the radio resources are simplified in otherwise possibly complex 5G environments. (See: https / / www. artizanetwor cks.com/resources/tutorials/cran.html). Let us look at how C-RAN helps with the cost efficiency of 5G network infrastructure. An average 5G base station can cost as much as three times the cost of 4G, with an even smaller coverage area. Historically, the RAN costs contributed to 80% of CAPEX and about 60% of OPEX. With added cost pressure where the revenues per telecom subscriber are going down, 