Several vendors from the enterprise networking, OSS/BSS or data center fields are eyeing the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) as an entry point to the 5G RAN. The experience of Cisco and others, that have attempted to break into the mobile RAN in the past, has warned most suppliers to leave base stations to the incumbents, or to specialized challengers, especially in the small cell field. But if the Open RAN community achieves its vision, the RIC will become the brain of the RAN, and will enable new entrants to the market via software alone. Juniper is one of the most advanced non-RAN players in developing a RIC that could greatly enhance its ability to complement its transport offerings for MNOs,…