- Successful proof of concept is in line with e& UAE’s increased interest in virtualization and cloud-native technologies for 5G network evolution
- The testing environment was based on Ericsson’s Cloud RAN architecture with Selected Function Hardware Accelerator for a mid-band Massive MIMO deployment
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC, news, filings), in partnership with e& UAE, has successfully conducted a 5G data call using Ericsson’s Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture in a lab environment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The setup relied on a 5G non-standalone (NSA) solution for a mid-band carrier of 100MHz, deployed on a Massive MIMO radio where, the RAN Compute baseband function was running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware supported with a Selected Function Hardware Accelerator* (also known as ‘look-aside accelerator’).
This Ericsson Cloud RAN trial is in line with the Cloud RAN Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two organizations at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai, UAE. The results revealed that the Ericsson Cloud RAN solution meets e& UAE’s expectations in terms of performance and is ready to support their 5G network evolution plan.
Ericsson Cloud RAN is based on cloud-native principles and open architecture with standardized interfaces compatible with the deployed Ericsson Radio System products and solutions, enabling e& UAE to evolve its network to its architecture of choice. At its core, Cloud RAN disaggregates RAN software from hardware, allowing deployment on commercially available platforms. This shift to software-defined functionality enhances cost efficiency and operational agility, driving network optimization and service innovation for e& UAE.
Marwan BinShakar, SVP of Access Network Development at e& UAE, says: “We, along with our partner Ericsson, have a long-standing commitment to delivering a world-class network using the latest solutions in the telecom industry to provide superior customer experience. This new milestone marks an important step forward on e& UAE’s 5G evolutionary path as it opens the door to the next generation of high-quality connectivity, empowering our customers for the future.
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “Ericsson Cloud RAN leverages the capabilities of Cloud native technologies to deploy and scale mobile networks flexibly and efficiently without performance trade-offs. The flexibility to place RAN functions in a distributed deployment in existing data centers, public cloud, or at the edge of the network will enable providers to scale compute resources efficiently and for different use cases as needed. It also paves the way for e& UAE to offer private networks that integrate seamlessly with Enterprise’s IT and Cloud processes and tools, enabling new business models. The proof of concept comes at a timely moment and is a testament to Ericsson’s commitment to openness without compromising on performance and experience.”
Ericsson has a long-standing partnership with e& UAE, where both companies are working closely together to deliver a state-of-the-art 5G network, allowing consumers, enterprises, and industries to reap the benefits of enriched connectivity and enhanced mobility.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
* Selected Function Hardware Accelerator leaves the CPU free to use its cycles to process other useful tasks while the accelerator is working on the selected functions. For example, Forward Error Correction (FEC) processing is offloaded to the accelerator to improve CPU efficiency, allow for SW portability and reduce complexity.
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Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com
ABOUT e& UAE:
e& UAE embodies the telecom arm of e& in the UAE, with a mission to maximise stakeholder value, deliver an unparalleled customer experience and optimise business performance for sustainable growth and success.
Leveraging the latest world-class technologies, e& UAE will grow core and digital services, enriching consumer value propositions with digital services catering to new consumer lifestyles and emerging demands beyond core telecom services, including health, insurance and gaming.
e& UAE will continue to act as a trusted partner to enterprises in meeting their connectivity needs and beyond.
Bolstering its leadership position as a digital telco that champions customers in a hyper-connected digital world, e& UAE will pivot the new sustainable demand into future spaces such as private networks, autonomous vehicles, and AI.
To learn more about e& UAE, please visit: https://www.etisalat.ae.
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