Intel plays a critical role in the network deal between KDDI and Samsung by providing the processing power for the Open RAN deployment in Japan.
Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 solution, which KDDI will utilize, is powered by Intel’s 4th Gen Xeon Scalable processors with Intel vRAN Boost. These processors are essential for handling the demanding network capacity, coverage, and quality requirements that KDDI needs for its 4G and 5G network expansion.
“KDDI’s Open RAN deployment is a testament to both the scaling of virtualized RAN, and to the success of our 4th Gen Intel Xeon processors with vRAN Boost,” said Cristina Rodriguez, vice president and general manager, Comms Solutions Group at Intel.
KDDI will be using servers from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and cloud platform from Red Hat, in addition to processors from Intel.
“Open RAN and vRAN are at the heart of mobile networks innovation and transformation and Samsung has continuously demonstrated its leadership in this space,” said Remy Pascal, Principal Analyst Mobile infrastructure at Omdia.
KDDI’s capital expenditure (Capex) was ¥750 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. KDDI’s capital spending reached ¥361 billion in mobile network and ¥389 billion in fixed network and other areas.
KDDI’s revenue rose by 1.5 percent to ¥5,754 billion, while operating income decreased by 10.7 percent to ¥961.6 billion in 2024 fiscal.
Intel’s vRAN Boost technology allows the virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) to support more network cells while maintaining or reducing the number of servers, which leads to better energy efficiency and cost savings.
This integration of Intel’s processors with Samsung’s vRAN solution enables the network to operate with greater performance optimization, supporting KDDI’s goals of delivering efficient and modern network infrastructure.
Overall, Intel’s contribution enhances the Open RAN deployment by enabling a scalable and energy-efficient network architecture that will help KDDI meet the future needs of Japan’s mobile network infrastructure.
Intel says 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors deliver up to 2x capacity gains for vRAN as compared with 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors.
Intel vRAN Boost integrates vRAN acceleration into the 4th Gen Intel Xeon SoC, eliminating the need for an external accelerator card resulting into an additional compute power savings of approximately 20 percent.
Samsung deal with KDDI
Recently, Samsung Electronics has become the main vendor to provide 4G and 5G O-RAN compliant virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solutions for KDDI’s Open RAN deployment in Japan.
Starting from 2025, KDDI will expand its Open RAN deployment using disaggregated and software-based architecture powered by Samsung vRAN. KDDI’s Open RAN network will feature capabilities for improved energy efficiency, optimized performance and intelligent automation.
“KDDI has been focused on identifying and preparing for next-generation networks, and we have been conducting numerous technical verification and feasibility studies on Open RAN with companies like Samsung,” said Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Chief Technology Officer of KDDI.
“With our innovative spirit, Samsung takes the initiative to develop and adopt the latest mobile technologies,” said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
Samsung is bringing its network solutions ranging from its vRAN 3.0 solution, a full suite of O-RAN compliant radios supporting low- and mid-bands including Massive MIMO radios and third-party radio integration support.
It also offers key features of the Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS), an intelligent solution that automates the life cycle management of large-scale vRAN buildouts. The features streamline the onboarding, deployment and operation processes, enabling KDDI to transform its widespread network efficiently.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
