Radisys introduced what it describes as the industry’s first 3GPP Release 19-compliant 5G-Advanced Connect RAN software suite, expanding its open RAN portfolio to address converged terrestrial and non-terrestrial deployments. Announced from Dallas on February 27, 2026, the new release integrates Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with embedded AI-RAN capabilities, targeting service providers and enterprises building next-generation 5G infrastructure. The software maintains backward compatibility with 3GPP Release 18 and positions operators for future B5G and 6G evolution.
The 5G-Advanced Connect RAN suite supports a wide range of deployment models, including FWA, small cells, private 5G, defense, and tactical communications. It enables NTN operation across GEO, MEO, (V)LEO, and HAPS platforms, with support for both transparent and regenerative payload modes. Multi-band support spans S, L, Ku, and Ka bands across FR1 and FR2 FDD, and the platform supports standalone or dual-mode NB-IoT NTN operation. Radisys also enables TN-NTN integration to unify satellite and terrestrial coverage under a single RAN architecture.
AI integration forms a central component of the Release 19 update. The platform supports AI-assisted RAN use cases through integration with xApps, rApps, dApps, cloud-native functions, and vendor-specific applications. Radisys introduced its Common Layer for AI/ML (CLAIM) framework to support evolution toward an Intelligence Stratum (IS) architecture for B5G and 6G. Additional capabilities include Massive MIMO scaling, URLLC and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), concurrent eMBB and RedCap support, and multi-access interoperability across CBRS, Wi-Fi, and legacy satellite networks using N3IWF and AGF. Deployment options range from Network-in-a-Radio configurations to outdoor pico and micro cells, indoor femtocells, and localized breakout with co-located UPF.
• 3GPP Release 19-compliant 5G-Advanced Connect RAN software
• Converged TN and NTN support across GEO, MEO, (V)LEO, and HAPS
• Multi-band S, L, Ku, Ka support for FR1/FR2 FDD
• Standalone and dual-mode NB-IoT NTN support
• AI-RAN integration with xApps, rApps, dApps and cloud-native applications
• CLAIM framework enabling evolution toward AI-native Intelligence Stratum
• Massive MIMO, URLLC, TSN, and ISAC evolution support
• Concurrent eMBB and RedCap enablement
• Multi Non-3GPP Access Gateway with N3IWF and AGF support
• Flexible small cell and distributed deployment architectures
“By expanding Radisys Connect RAN portfolio with Release 19 capabilities with a strong focus on NTN and AI-RAN, our industry-leading software remains at the forefront of 5G innovation while paving the path towards 6G,” said Munish Chhabra, Wireless SVP and General Manager at Radisys. “By combining our multi-platform 5G-Advanced software with Radisys’ unique hyper-collaborative co-engineering model, we are empowering our customers to deliver innovative, differentiated, and future-ready 5G solutions to MNOs, SNOs, enterprises, and industries.”
🌐 Analysis: Release 19 marks an early inflection point as vendors align 5G-Advanced roadmaps with NTN integration and AI-native RAN architectures ahead of formal 6G standardization. Radisys’ emphasis on TN-NTN convergence and AI frameworks mirrors broader industry momentum seen at MWC26, where satellite integration, AI-RAN, and cloud-native disaggregation dominate operator investment priorities.
