Intel and VMware announced they are collaborating on an integrated software platform for virtualized radio access networks to help accelerate the roll-out of both existing LTE and future 5G networks. Virtualization of the core network has already enabled operators to improve operational costs and bring services to market faster, and the companies now see opportunities to support RAN virtualisation.
The collaboration seeks to simplify the steps and reduce the integration effort involved in creating deployable virtualized RAN solutions. Intel and VMware will work with telecom equipment manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and RAN software vendors to help operators more easily build on top of the vRAN platform to address specific use cases.
As part of this effort, they are developing programmable open interfaces that leverage Intel’s FlexRAN software reference architecture and a VMware RAN Intelligent Controller, to enable development of innovative radio network functions using AI/ML learning for real time resource management, traffic steering and dynamic slicing. This in turn will assist in optimized QoE for roll-out of new 5G vertical use cases.
Deutsche Telekom is already testing a vRAN solution architected by VMware and Intel that is optimized for real-time, low latency workloads, and Vodafone Group also is working with VMware to support its global roll-out of virtual network functions.
