Ericsson announced Cloud RAN (Radio Access Network), a new offering to enable communications service providers to add greater flexibility and versatility to their networks.
Cloud RAN by Ericsson is a cloud-native software solution handling compute functionality in the RAN. It will complement high-performing purpose-built baseband offerings in the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, giving service providers an optimal choice for any deployment scenario and need.
According to Ericsson, Cloud RAN will deliver network capabilities for both large-scale and centralized 5G deployments. It will allow service providers to address new business opportunities and diverse 5G use cases for indoor, industry, enterprise, stadiums and beyond.
Ericsson Cloud RAN will be released in stages, matching the service providers’ journey to complement their purpose-built 5G networks. The first stage will provide the foundation, offering a system-verified solution for 5G low band that will enable an easy transition to a virtualized RAN using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware platforms.
The first stage includes Ericsson’s new Cloud RAN application software – Cloud RAN DU and Cloud RAN CU - enabling a highly capable and flexible 5G network architecture. It also includes new Radio Gateways, enabling a full utilization of the installed base of remote radios, making them fully compatible with Cloud RAN. These products set the foundation for future mid-band rollouts.
Ericsson Cloud RAN is fully compatible with the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, and supports Ericsson Spectrum Sharing and 5G standalone and non-standalone.
Virtualization and multi-domain orchestration will also create a foundation for future RAN openness. Cloud RAN by Ericsson is designed to support Service Management and Orchestration architecture including Non Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC), in line with O-RAN interfaces.
Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks, Ericsson
By empowering a larger ecosystem of developers and industries, we can co-create and bring new cloud innovations to the 5G space. With Cloud RAN by Ericsson, we will help our customers evolve their networks with future-proof technology while maximizing their network investments today.
