Juniper Networks and IBM partner to enhance radio network solutions with intelligent automation

Juniper Networks, a company in secure, AI-driven networks, today announced that the company plans to expand its collaboration with IBM to pursue the integration of IBM’s network automation capabilities with Juniper’s Radio Access Network (RAN) optimization and Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology.

By using intelligent automation, the envisioned collaboration will try to deliver a unified RAN management platform that will make it easier for communications service providers (CSPs) to monetize, maximise, and scale their investments in next-generation networks and give mobile users better experiences.

Andrew Coward, General Manager, Software-Defined Networking, IBM said “We see CSPs rapidly turning to cloud and intelligent automation technology as they look to build more open and scalable next-generation networks and provide their customers with better end-user experiences. We are driving innovation with partners like Juniper Networks where the value of Cloud Pak® for Network Automation can bring extensive solution value to our joint clients who need disaggregated, multi-vendor and economically-viable radio networks.”

As telecommunication providers worldwide progress with the implementation of their 5G and advanced networks, they are seeking intelligent and automated solutions for RAN (Radio Access Network) to better capitalize on and enhance their investments in these new networks. RAN technology is becoming increasingly vital as it facilitates the connection of a rapidly expanding number of devices through the use of non-proprietary subcomponents, which promotes greater vendor diversity and prevents lock-in. To meet these requirements, CSPs are searching for partners and solutions that can support them in completely transforming their RAN and meeting these needs.

The parties hope that their new arrangement will strengthen their previous partnership between IBM and Juniper Networks. To create a completely integrated and automated O-RAN and RAN solution, the two businesses plan to combine Juniper’s RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) with IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation. Through the integration of Juniper’s RIC and Slice-aware use case capabilities with IBM Cloud Pak® for Network Automation’s policy engines, this solution aims to provide end-to-end automation of secured 5G network slices, from provisioning through validation and deployment, monitoring and assurance of SLAs during run-time.

Constantine Polychronopoulos, Group Vice President, 5G & Cloud Networking, Juniper Networks said “O-RAN is enabling a shift to an open, intelligent and programmable environment that can open up a new vista on the full potential of mobile services, driving innovative applications that make new revenue streams possible for service providers globally. To realize this potential, Juniper’s RIC has been architected as an open and interoperable platform to support easy integration with RAN automation solutions. Coupling it with IBM’s Cloud Pak® for Network Automation software has the potential to unlock new monetization opportunities for operators.”