Alcatel-Lucent is enhancing its virtualised RAN programme by signing collaboration agreements with Red Hat, Advantech and 6WIND.
The vendor said the additional projects would extend the functionality of a cloud-based network, allowing it to meet the requirements of high video consumption, growth in the Internet of Things and the shift to 5G.
A-L and Red Hat have already been working together on the former’s Cloudband and the latter’s Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform.
Under the new deal, A-L will integrate Red Hat’s enterprise platform and Ceph Storage solution into its vRAN offering.
Advantech will supply its carrier-grade blade server, which will support processing, storage and switching.
Finally, 6WIND will offer its 6WINDGate solution that features a range of networking and security features that allow operators to optimise the performance of their vRAN.
A-L is currently trialling vRAN in a “near commercial state” with operators across North America, Asia and Europe.
Glenn Booth, Vice-President of Wireless Portfolio Management and Strategy at A-L, said: “We are leaders in vRAN technology and use a strategy of collaboration to integrate leading third-party technologies and deliver world-class products that meet the unique needs of our service provider customers.
“Working with Red Hat, Advantech and 6WIND we are accelerating the availability of our vRAN, giving operators the flexibility and efficiency they require on a large-scale to meet subscriber data demand into the future.”
The project builds upon work first announced at Mobile World Congress, when A-L said it would work with Intel on developing NFV solutions.
The first cloud-based VRAN products are expected to be launched commercially next year.