Samsung Electronics has announced its collaboration with technology giant Intel, aimed at driving the evolution of virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solutions.
This pioneering agreement paves the way for the integration of Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 software with Intel’s 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, empowered by Intel vRAN Boost technology. The resulting enhanced vRAN system promises heightened performance and capacity, signaling a significant leap forward in the field of network optimization.
This partnership brings together Samsung’s expertise in virtualized network solutions and Intel’s prowess in advanced processor technology. The fusion of vRAN 3.0 software with Intel’s processors promises to elevate vRAN capabilities, delivering a range of benefits to network operators, Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Access Networking Division at Intel, said.
Samsung’s enhanced vRAN system is set to achieve increased capacity, enabling support for additional cells using the same number of servers. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications, ushering in a new era of power savings and cost efficiency for network operators.
The collaboration between Samsung and Intel on vRAN innovation commenced in 2017 and has already demonstrated exceptional results in the networks of Tier One operators across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The integration of Samsung’s vRAN software with Intel’s 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors has contributed to performance optimization and power savings in these commercial networks.
The collaboration extends beyond hardware and software integration. Samsung’s latest vRAN 3.0 capabilities include support for a 200MHz 3-Cell configuration for 64T64R Massive MIMO radios, power-saving features, and improved automation. Moreover, Samsung’s vRAN system boasts Multi-RAT (Multiple Radio Access Technology) support across 2G, 4G, and 5G, enhancing network flexibility.
“We are excited to expand upon our collaboration with technology leaders like Intel to bring forth the next wave of vRAN enhancements – including reduced power consumption, automation, and increased flexibility,” Jeongho Park, Vice President and Head of Technology Strategy Group, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, said.
“This enables customers to benefit from a host of performance- and efficiency-enhancing vRAN capabilities, delivering one of the most powerful RAN solutions in the world.”
The completion of interoperability tests between Samsung’s vRAN and Intel’s 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with Intel vRAN Boost is a testament to the collaboration’s progress. The enhanced vRAN solution is expected to be available in the second half of 2023, offering operators a powerful and flexible tool to meet their network demands.
