Aricent said it is now supporting the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture for its software framework for developing 4G and 5G wireless network solutions.
Aricent's pre-integrated software framework reduces time-to-market with complete support for 5G, LTE-Advance, NB-IoT and eMTC technologies.
The 5G framework will be integrated with the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture, supporting features compliant to 3GPP specifications for non-standalone modes.
Aricent said its 4G LTE framework based on Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) architecture also supports FlexRAN, enabling Network Equipment Providers (NEPs) to seamlessly upgrade their existing solutions from 4G to 5G. NEPs can monetize the Aricent C-RAN solution which utilizes the Intel Xeon processor and integrates with radio functionality.
Aricent also provides NFV MANO (Management and Orchestration) for managing complex virtualized network functions which is a key element driving architecture evolution towards 5G.
To support 4G and 5G IoT use cases, the Aricent eNodeB framework with L1- L3 functionality is pre-integrated on the Intel Transcede chipset to provide LTE-Advance features for Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and enhanced Machine Type Communications (eMTC). Aricent also offers a lightweight, cloud-native packet core framework including a Collapsed Signaling Gateway (CGSN) that can handle low-throughput communications with NB-IoT devices such as smart meters and a variety of sensors.
Harmeet Chauhan, President, Software and Internet, Aricent
Deployed on the Intel FlexRAN platform, this Aricent framework can truly deliver on the promise of 5G: seamless low-latency, ultra-highspeed connectivity for a wide range of networking applications.
Caroline Chan, VP and GM, 5G Infrastructure Division, Data Center Group, Intel
The availability of a robust software framework pre-integrated on the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture enables NEPs to launch innovative new products and realize ROI.