Intel and VMware are collaborating on an integrated software platform for virtualized Radio Access Networks (RAN) for LTE and 5G networks.
The companies said they would also work with telecom equipment manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and RAN software vendors.
“Many CoSPs are choosing to extend the benefits of network virtualization into the RAN for increased agility as they roll out new 5G services, but the software integration can be rather complex. With an integrated vRAN platform, combined with leading technology and expertise from Intel VMware, CoSPs are positioned to benefit from accelerated time to deployment of innovative services at the edge of their network,” explained Dan Rodriguez, corporate vice president and general manager, Network Platforms Group, Intel.
“CoSPs around the globe rely on VMware’s Telco Cloud platform to deploy and manage myriad core network functions. As they look to extend their software-defined infrastructure out to the RAN, there are tremendous benefits to delivering all network functions on a single platform,” said Shekar Ayyar, executive vice president and general manager, Telco and Edge Cloud, VMware. “With an integrated platform, CoSPs will be able to deploy new network functions across the same Telco Cloud architecture, from core to RAN, enabling the scale and agility needed to deliver services across a 5G network more efficiently.”
Deutsche Telekom to test cloud-based virtual RAN with VMware, Intel
VMware and Deutsche Telekom are collaborating on an open and intelligent virtual RAN (vRAN) platform, based on O-RAN standards, for both existing LTE and future 5G networks.
Deutsche Telekom will conduct testing and validation at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany.