Ericsson, a leader in communications technology, has revealed its latest stride in advancing network technology with the introduction of the newest generation of processors in the Ericsson RAN Compute portfolio.
This innovative launch aims to support communication service providers (CSPs) in maximizing the potential of existing and forthcoming radio access technology advancements.
The freshly unveiled RAN Compute products, powered by Ericsson Silicon, are meticulously crafted to meet the burgeoning demands of 5G Advanced and enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This unveiling marks a significant leap forward in network technology, catering to the evolving needs of CSPs.
Ericsson’s next-gen RAN Compute portfolio features four distinct products, comprising high and standard capacity variants, available in both enclosure and outdoor formats. This diversified range is designed to address diverse site requirements, ensuring adaptability and optimization.
The flagship processors, RAN Processor 6672 and Radio Processor 6372, offer an astounding fourfold increase in capacity compared to their predecessors. These powerhouses are capable of supporting up to six 4G and 5G modes within a single unit, presenting a substantial enhancement in capabilities.
The expanded modes enable CSPs to concurrently run multiple technologies on a single RAN Compute board, including cutting-edge applications like 5G time division duplex (TDD) Massive MIMO, 4G and 5G frequency division duplex (FDD), among others, with room for future technological integrations.
Michael Begley, Head of RAN Compute at Ericsson, emphasized, “Our new and enhanced RAN Compute portfolio was designed with Ericsson’s customers and their future needs in mind.” He highlighted the focus on innovation, energy efficiency, reduced footprint, and total cost of ownership, resulting in robust hardware and software that’s reliable and adaptable.
A fundamental element contributing to the exceptional processing power of these new products is the Ericsson Silicon, a system-on-a-chip pivotal in the Ericsson Radio System. This proprietary technology boasts a custom-made, flexible, and modular architecture, facilitating a substantial 30 to 60 percent reduction in power consumption compared to industry benchmarks.
Ericsson’s strategic collaboration with Intel, utilizing Intel 4 technology, underscores the company’s commitment to advancing network technology.
The intensifying pressure on mobile networks due to the burgeoning 5G landscape necessitates efficient spectrum use and intelligence to bolster network capacity, reduce ownership costs, and automate manual tasks. Ericsson’s introduction of two new software features, Automated Carrier Aggregation and Carrier Aggregation Data Steering, aims to optimize spectrum utilization and significantly curtail operational costs.
The launch also introduces two new high-capacity, energy-efficient routers to the Router 6000 family. These routers, imbued with AI-analytics and automation, complement the new RAN Compute portfolio, addressing the evolving requirements for both distributed and centralized RAN deployments.
Remy Pascal, Principal Analyst at OMDIA, hailed Ericsson’s latest RAN Compute processors as a groundbreaking advancement. He lauded their prowess in cell capacity, mixed mode capabilities, and energy efficiency, foreseeing a pivotal role in meeting the needs of forward-thinking service providers.
This unveiling aligns with Ericsson’s commitment to developing high-performing, open, and sustainable networks, as it steers the industry toward limitless connectivity while adhering to Net Zero goals.
