Low latency is the mandatory key driver to consider for Cloud RAN/vRAN deployment. Cloud RAN stands for Cloud Radio Access Network, which is a network architecture that centralizes the baseband processing of multiple radio sites in a cloud platform. vRAN stands for virtualized RAN, which is a network architecture that implements the baseband processing as software functions running on virtual machines or containers in a cloud platform. Both Cloud RAN and vRAN aim to improve the performance, efficiency, and flexibility of the radio access network by leveraging cloud technologies. Low latency refers to the minimal delay between the source and the destination of a data transmission, which affects the quality of service and user experience for various applications. Low latency is a critical requirement for Cloud RAN/vRAN deployment, as it ensures the timely and reliable delivery of radio signals between the centralized cloud platform and the distributed radio sites. Low latency also enables Cloud RAN/vRAN to support new 5G use cases that demand ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, such as autonomous driving, remote surgery, and industrial automation.Reference:Nokia Bell Labs 5G Professional Certification - Distributed Cloud Networks, Unit 3: Cloud Resource Planning, Section 3.2: Cloud RAN/vRAN.

Low latency is a mandatory key driver for Cloud RAN/vRAN deployment due to the stringent requirements of real-time communication and processing in radio access networks. Low latency ensures that data transmission and processing occur with minimal delay, which is crucial for supporting high-speed, reliable communication necessary in modern wireless networks, especially with the advent of 5G technologies.