Key Open RAN integration challenges
Multi-vendor integration remains one of the key challenges to overcome to fulfil the expectations of Open RAN technology
Accelerate benefits of 5G
5G Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies aim to create integrated high-performing communication capabilities on the cloud and edge. RAN addresses the needs of innovative services evolving from big data consumption, lower latency, and higher reliability via 5G.Open RAN and Virtual RAN technologies are introduced to:
- lower network costs
- support multi-vendor ecosystems
- increase flexibility to build and leverage 5G applications
- help to avoid “vendor lock-in”
- accelerate the time to market of network services and innovation
Open RAN and Virtual RAN promote multi-vendor solutions via open interfaces and reference software. Yet, there are challenges to overcome. In virtual RAN solutions running on Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS), performance and integration efficiency are crucial enablers of innovation, flexibility, and cost advantages.
Our experts advance the world-leading RAN solutions. We help companies to exceed their RAN performance.
Mike Nescholta
Vice President, Telecom Industry Business
Key benefits
Cost-efficient network operation
Achieve maximum network automation to minimise network operational costs. We help you design software from device to operation and maintenance systems.
Increased flexibility and scalability
Leverage a shared multi-purpose platform to address a variety of telco workloads, evolving also to other applications. Open RAN enables multi-vendor mix and match.
High-performance RAN virtualisation
Reach the optimal real-time (layer 1 and layer 2) software performance for the wanted throughput to maximise energy efficiency.
In the spotlight
Artificial Intelligence and its use in RAN
Network automation is key to addressing profitability challenges for MNOs but needs to evolve stepwise in brownfield environments.
Learn more[Whitepaper] Network Automation @Large
How to optimize the performance of an Open RAN DU product? Learn how a high performing Baseband Software running on COTS can help.
Read more[Whitepaper] 5G Innovation: O-RAN M-Plane Framework
This whitepaper explores how the M-plane application framework for 5G Radio Units offers solution for accelerating O-RU development.
Read moreOpen Networks: Integration and OEM Ecosystems
Read more about our views on Open RAN integration, including our White Paper on the topic.
Read moreKey capabilities
World-leading radio baseband optimisation & algorithms
Ensure optimal RAN efficiency. We have vast experience in achieving world-class radio baseband performance on multiple platforms and reference architectures. We work worldwide with our customers on software implementation, optimisation, and algorithm definition projects, with a solid track-record from the telecom industry.
Modular Radio Unit SW architecture and interoperability
5G will lead to a dramatic growth in the radio unit portfolio through new spectrum band, higher-order Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), and a variety of physical enclosures. We help clients to define and implement software architectures that enable the needed modularity to efficiently manage the portfolio. We also help clients integrate towards the hardware and achieve needed interoperability on the fronthaul interface.
Operation & maintenance aggregation and integration
Increasingly disaggregated networks create a need for the corresponding aggregation to enable reasonable operation & maintenance processes. We address this through a mix of professional services and assets. Typically, in this area, we work with parts of client systems such as element management systems, or on open platforms such as ONAP.
Test automation and CI/CD
Complete RAN systems contain a huge amount of software with complex interdependencies. We advise companies on how to build test automation and evolve towards a streamlined software delivery pipeline that supports the DevOps approach. Solutions span cloud, state-of-the-art SW build tools, open-source, as well as customer-specific tools and instruments.
Learn more about our O-RU M-Plane TesterClosed-loop automation
Closed-loop automation implementations aim to lower network operating costs. For example, functionality that automatically acts on an observed system state and performs an action. Such functionality builds on advanced analytics, algorithms and sometimes on AI/ML technologies. Implementing these capabilities requires substantial RAN domain competence. We have decades of experience working with world-leading products to develop such capabilities.
Efficient packet forwarding
5G has increased throughput capacity and low latency. This puts a high demand on efficient packet forwarding needed on top of off-the-shelf hardware. We have leading skills in how to achieve the performance needed through utilising suitable accelerator hardware.
