Ericsson, e& UAE Complete Successful Cloud RAN Trial

Ericsson in collaboration with e& UAE, has achieved a successful 5G data call utilizing Ericsson’s Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture within a laboratory environment located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The configuration employed a 5G non-standalone (NSA) solution operating on a mid-band carrier of 100MHz, deployed on a Massive MIMO radio. The RAN Compute baseband function ran on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, complemented by a Selected Function Hardware Accelerator (also referred to as a ‘look-aside accelerator’).

This trial of Ericsson Cloud RAN aligns with the Cloud RAN Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked by the two entities during GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai, UAE. The findings demonstrated that the Ericsson Cloud RAN solution fulfills the performance expectations of e& UAE, positioning it effectively to support their 5G network advancement strategy.

Built upon cloud-native principles and an open architecture with standardized interfaces, Ericsson Cloud RAN is compatible with the deployed Ericsson Radio System products and solutions. This compatibility empowers e& UAE to evolve its network according to its architectural preferences. Cloud RAN fundamentally decouples RAN software from hardware, facilitating deployment on readily available platforms. This transition to software-defined functionality enhances cost efficiency and operational agility, driving network optimization and fostering service innovation for e& UAE.

Marwan BinShakar, Senior Vice President of Access Network Development at e& UAE, emphasizes their dedication, alongside Ericsson, to delivering a top-tier network experience through cutting-edge telecom solutions. He views this milestone as a significant advancement on e& UAE’s journey toward 5G, promising enhanced connectivity for their customers in the future.

Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, underscores how Ericsson Cloud RAN harnesses the capabilities of cloud-native technologies to flexibly and efficiently deploy and scale mobile networks without compromising performance. The platform’s flexibility in deploying RAN functions across distributed locations, including existing data centers, public cloud, or network edges, facilitates efficient scaling of compute resources for diverse use cases. Moreover, it positions e& UAE to offer seamless integration with enterprise IT and cloud processes, enabling novel business models.

The proof of concept arrives at a pivotal juncture and underscores Ericsson’s commitment to openness while maintaining high performance and user experience standards. Ericsson and e& UAE share a longstanding partnership focused on delivering a cutting-edge 5G network that enriches connectivity and mobility for consumers, enterprises, and industries alike.