Ericsson completes first live 5G data call on Ericsson Cloud RAN

Telstra completed the first Ericsson Cloud RAN 5G data call on its commercial network in Queensland, Australia. 

Ericsson’s Cloud RAN solution virtualizes the RAN baseband as cloud-native network functions for the CU (centralized unit) and DU (distributed unit).

Telstra’s implementation of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN technology employs an architecture in which both the CU and DU baseband functions are centralized versus approaches that only centralize the CU and leave the DU at the base station site. By placing both the CU and DU functions at a central site such as a Telstra local exchange or data center, Telstra will achieve more efficient utilization of compute resources leading to improved cost and capacity outcomes.

The centralized Cloud RAN architecture deployed by Telstra is facilitated by the recently announced world-first commercial network deployment of Ericsson’s packet fronthaul technology based on the Ericsson Router 6673. Packet fronthaul technology allows existing site radios to be connected to the centralized Cloud RAN solution using eCPRI (enhanced CPRI). eCPRI is both more bandwidth efficient and places the radio information in an ethernet-based format that easily connects to cloud infrastructure running the Cloud RAN CU and DU baseband functions. 

Another unique aspect of Telstra’s Cloud RAN commercial network trial is that it is the first deployment of the Cloud RAN solution on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), - a bare metal infrastructure that is specifically optimized for hosting cloud-native 5G applications both at central data centers and at the edge. The combination of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN running on CNIS as a system-verified solution reduces Telstra’s deployment and operational risks and ensures the best mobile network performance for Telstra’s customers.

Iskra Nikolova, Telstra’s Network and Infrastructure Executive, says: “Telstra’s ongoing partnership with Ericsson has reached another new milestone this week with the first 5G Cloud RAN data call over our commercial network utilizing Ericsson’s industry-leading Cloud RAN technology. This achievement clears the way for the wider deployment of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN technology, which will enable the full benefits of 5G for Telstra’s customers across Australia.”

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand, says: “Ericsson’s Cloud RAN technology is a key enabler of 5G-as-a-service-based architecture and supports Telstra’s move towards the widespread virtualization and automation of its network infrastructure. This Australia first Cloud RAN trial further demonstrates the industry leading innovation made possible by Ericsson’s ongoing partnership with Telstra while marking the next step in the transformation of Australia’s largest mobile network.”

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/7/2022/telstra-makes-its-first-5g-data-call-on-a-commercial-network-with-ericsson-cloud-ran-technology

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Radisys MobilityEngine targets disaggregated RANs and 5G

Radisys introduced its "MobilityEngine" portfolio of disaggregated Radio Access Network (RAN) software solutions and services that enable mobile service providers to evolve their access networks from LTE-Advanced to 5G.

The Radisys MobilityEngine, which is an evolution of its CellEngine product line, is an open 5G RAN platform and services offering that supports LTE-Advanced network deployments and offers a path to 5G. More specifically, MobilityEngine is based on the 5G Technical Forum (TF) specification with a roadmap in place to support 5G New Radio (NR) Non Standalone (NSA) mode as well as 5G NR Standalone (SA) Mode for the delivery of new advanced services. The company said that by supporting early 5G network investments, it provides early adopters with a time-to-market advantage as they move to commercializing 5G services with the completion of the 3GPP 5G specification in 2018.

Some additional highlights

• MobilityEngine’s LTE-Advanced and 5G mobile access solutions support multiple deployment scenarios, from supporting small cell deployments with thousands of users in a concentrated area to enabling virtualized RAN deployments running on general compute baseband units.
• MobilityEngine supports emerging 5G services at the edge of the network and enables network slicing as part of a MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) architecture to enable new use cases, increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs. For example in an enterprise scenario, MobilityEngine could enable the local breakout of user data from the network edge to enable localized control and enhanced security, without having to support backhaul of the connections.
• MobilityEngine can also be deployed in a CORD (Central Office Re-architected as a Datacenter) architecture as it disaggregates the access technology from the core network, supporting open standard APIs and the separation of software from the underlying hardware.

“Radisys has long been the recognized leader in delivering RAN solutions to meet mobile service providers’ evolving network requirements,” said Neeraj Patel, vice president and general manager, MobilityEngine, Radisys. “MobilityEngine is the evolution of our award-winning CellEngine portfolio. While CellEngine enabled mobile service providers’ small cell deployments for added network capacity and coverage, MobilityEngine delivers broader support for their access technology requirements in open architectures, while delivering much needed reductions in TCO. I am proud to introduce MobilityEngine to continue our rich heritage of delivering disruptive enabling technology solutions to power the 5G era.”

http://www.radisys.com/press-releases/radisys-advances-5g-service-delivery-innovation-mobilityengine

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KPN Deploys C-RAN for Small Cells

KPN has deployed a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) small cell solution from Ericsson at a bus stop on the Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The solution is equipped with Ericsson's new Radio 2203 offering and is fully integrated into the macro network using a centralized baseband deployment.

Ericsson said that using a common baseband provides optimal coordination between macro and small cells, and delivers the best-possible TCO, performance and spectrum utilization, which are key concerns when embedding small cells into an existing macro environment. Inter-site carrier aggregation is added between macro cells operating on 800MHz and small cells on 1800MHz. Seamless mobility is provided for users moving in and out of the small cell coverage area.

"The new 2203 is small and light and evolves the micro part of Ericsson's portfolio making it easier than ever to deploy small and efficient single and multi-band micro radio installations. This enables our customer to respond quickly to the growing demand for capacity from the consumers," Valter D'Avino, Head of Ericsson Western & Central Europe.

http://www.ericsson.com

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