In a notable collaboration, NEC Corporation has teamed up with Arm, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Red Hat, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to demonstrate the capabilities of NEC’s Open virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) and 5G Core virtual User Plane Function (vUPF) products. These products were showcased on HPE ProLiant servers powered by Arm® Neoverse™-based CPUs and the Qualcomm® X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card, all operating within a setup that mirrors a commercial environment. This demonstration not only underscores the technological synergy among leading tech companies but also emphasizes the adaptability and efficiency of modern network solutions.
The Power of Collaboration
This demonstration is a testament to the collective effort and expertise of each participating company. By leveraging the strengths of Arm-based CPUs and the Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card, the project achieved a highly optimized solution for the total cost of ownership (TCO) and power efficiency. The use of Red Hat OpenShift further ensured that the deployment was both flexible and scalable, capable of adapting to a variety of network scenarios and configurations.
Innovations in 5G Technology
The technical prowess of NEC’s Open vRAN and 5G Core vUPF was fully displayed, illustrating their compliance with O-RAN Alliance and 3GPP standards. These are carrier-grade, cloud-native applications that promise significant enhancements in network performance and efficiency. The integration of an in-line accelerator card demonstrates the potential of Open RAN to foster a multi-vendor landscape, moving away from traditional, single-vendor network setups.
Impact on the Industry
The implications of this demonstration for the telecom industry are profound. By showing that call processing and packet communication can be efficiently managed in a commercial-like environment with Arm-based servers and enhanced power and space savings, NEC and its partners highlight the expanding applications of Arm-based servers in reducing the TCO for mobile networks.
Andy Dunkin, Open RAN RF & Digital Platform Development Manager at Vodafone, commented on the significance of this development:
“The maturity of Arm-based architecture, combined with high-quality NEC vRAN and acceleration from Qualcomm, shows the continuing progress made on the interoperability of Open RAN software and hardware.”
Future of 5G Networks
The collaborative effort marks a significant step toward achieving more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective 5G networks. As network sustainability becomes an increasingly critical priority, the demonstrated innovation serves as a blueprint for future technological advancements in the telecom sector.
Conclusion
The successful Open vRAN 5G demonstration by NEC, Arm, Qualcomm, Red Hat, and HPE is a clear indication of the evolving landscape of telecommunications infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and technological innovation, the industry is moving towards more adaptable, efficient, and sustainable network solutions. This initiative not only paves the way for the future of 5G but also opens up discussions about the potential for further advancements in network technology. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and comments on this development and its implications for the future of telecom networks.
