The distributed RAN and transport solution are intended to simplify O-RAN deployments at scale
Intel, Juniper Networks and Rakuten Symphony are partnering to develop what they call a next-generation, distributed unit (DU). They say it is “a pioneering, carrier-grade Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) solution for mobile network operators to modernize radio cell sites by leveraging the latest cloud-native architecture.
“This solution provides operators with the flexibility to densify their network, accommodate various network topologies, and support new features while reducing the required hardware per site.”
The Next-Gen DU combines containerised, cell-site routing and a containerised DU on a single general purpose server platform, which is claimed will significantly reduce the CapEx and OpEx for an operator.
Further the solution is said to offer “a consistent carrier-grade routing stack across both physical and virtual RANs…[to enable] 5G network slicing features both in RAN and transport domains including slice isolation, slice monitoring and dynamic traffic steering through segment routing”.
The solution supports automation with zero-touch provisioning, rolling updates, telemetry and analytics for all the components, and is based on Kubernetes ecosystem for orchestration and networking.
“Rakuten Symphony’s mission is to minimize the headaches associated with building and running a mobile network,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of Rakuten Symphony. “With our partners, we have developed a worry-free appliance that simplifies the cell site deployment not just for 5G, but also future generations of mobile technology.
“Next-Gen DU provides operators with the ultimate future-proof cell site solution that enables them to flexibly densify their network and accommodate various network topologies at the lowest cost.”
Dan Rodriguez, Intel’s Network Platforms Group said, “By utilizing our Next Generation Intel Xeon D Processors, this collaboration showcases how RAN workloads can be consolidated onto a single server and meet the performance, capacity and cost requirements of 5G RAN deployments.”
Raj Yavatkar, Juniper’s CTO, stated, “Removing the obstacles of deploying O-RAN in disaggregated production networks is critical for 5G growth. Integrated routing and O-RAN in a single platform delivers cost and operational benefits for network operators…Juniper’s disaggregated…routing stack offers operators a unique solution for delivering differentiated 5G services, including network slicing.”
Next-Gen DU is “targeted for availability” in the first half of 2022 through Rakuten Symphony.