Juniper Networks and IBM will pursue the integration of IBM’s network automation capabilities with Juniper’s Radio Access Network (RAN) optimization and Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology.
The goal is to deliver a unified RAN management platform that will be designed to use intelligent automation to better enable communications service providers (CSPs) to monetize, optimize and scale their investments in next-generation networks and provide better experiences to mobile users.
Specifically, the two companies will look to integrate Juniper’s RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) with IBM Cloud Pay for Network Automation with the intention of creating a fully integrated and automated O-RAN and RAN solution. The goal of this solution will be to offer end-to-end automation of secured 5G network slices, from provisioning through validation and deployment, monitoring and assurance of SLAs during run-time, through the integration of Juniper’s RIC and Slice-aware use case capabilities with IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation’s policy engines.
“We see CSPs rapidly turning to cloud and intelligent automation technology as they look to build more open and scalable next-generation networks and provide their customers with better end-user experiences. We are driving innovation with partners like Juniper Networks where the value of Cloud Pak® for Network Automation can bring extensive solution value to our joint clients who need disaggregated, multi-vendor and economically-viable radio networks,” stated Andrew Coward, General Manager, Software-Defined Networking, IBM.
“O-RAN is enabling a shift to an open, intelligent and programmable environment that can open up a new vista on the full potential of mobile services, driving innovative applications that make new revenue streams possible for service providers globally. To realize this potential, Juniper’s RIC has been architected as an open and interoperable platform to support easy integration with RAN automation solutions. Coupling it with IBM’s Cloud Pak for Network Automation software has the potential to unlock new monetization opportunities for operators,” said Constantine Polychronopoulos, Group Vice President, 5G & Cloud Networking, Juniper Networks.
