Ericsson Pioneers Open RAN Industrialization, Advances Cloud-Based Network Architecture

Today, Ericsson reinforced its unwavering dedication to lead the charge in industrializing Open RAN and to usher the advantages of cloud-based open network architecture into the industry. This commitment includes robust support for open fronthaul within its Cloud RAN and radio portfolios.
Through its pivotal role in the O-RAN Alliance, Ericsson, in collaboration with the industry, has achieved crucial milestones in defining the next generation open fronthaul interface. This step is paramount in delivering scalable performance to Open RAN.

Ericsson has deployed over one million radios, primed for the forthcoming generation of open fronthaul technology. With the release of new radio platforms in the current year, Ericsson now offers a comprehensive Open RAN-ready portfolio encompassing Massive MIMO and remote radio portfolios. Furthermore, Ericsson is set to integrate support for open fronthaul into its Cloud RAN portfolio, with implementation slated to commence in 2024.

Fredrik Jejdling, the Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, emphasized, “We believe that the biggest revolution in future mobile networks is the introduction of cloud-based open networks, which will enable a move towards fully programmable mobile networks. We are enabling an open and growing ecosystem of innovation together with our customers and partners. Today we bring more details to our previously announced transition to the introduction of Open RAN support across our portfolio.”

Envisioning future networks to be resilient, open, sustainable, and intelligent, Ericsson asserts that Open RAN is pivotal to realizing this vision. The company is spearheading the industrialization of the three key pillars of Open RAN: cloudification, open fronthaul, and open management for network programmability.

In a disaggregated environment, system performance across the spectrum, automation utilizing AI software extensions, and continuous development are deemed essential for optimal performance.

Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) facilitates multivendor network management, enhancing network performance and elevating customer experience while enabling extensive RAN programmability to deliver operational savings.

EIAP offers industrial scale automation for Cloud RAN, purpose-built and multi-vendor radio access networks, alongside an open, standards-based software development kit (SDK). This approach empowers and encourages innovation across the industry, including service providers, third-party software vendors, and network providers.