Mobile operators have begun adopting virtualized wireless access networks and open ecosystems. As interoperability Open RAN collaborations gain momentum, Intel is also participating in experiments with innovative O-RAN-based technologies.

Intel participated in Global PlugFest Spring 2022 on the 5th and unveiled virtualized wireless access network capabilities together with industry partners.

As the wireless communications industry pursues technologies beyond traditional Radio Access Networks (RAN) utilizing dedicated hardware, an increasing number of mobile operators are adopting virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN) and open ecosystems based on general-purpose hardware. This is because it enables flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency, thereby unlocking the potential of 5G networks and achieving greater innovation as they evolve into 6G networks.

As this trend continues, movements toward interoperable OpenRAN collaboration are also accelerating. Industry integration was recently showcased at the O-RAN Alliance virtual demo and Global Plugfest Spring 2022, which featured over 50 companies and organizations across three continents. The event demonstrated the integration of multi-vendor network functions and compliance with O-RAN standards.

As a Plugfest participant and a member of the O-RAN Alliance, Intel experimented with O-RAN-based innovative technologies together with various industry partners. Partners shared new use cases that can generate revenue and reduce operating costs based on intelligent RAN architecture innovations compatible with open RAN.

Intel confirmed energy savings through the results of major technology innovation experiments. Intel, which claims that up to 12% energy savings are possible, successfully demonstrated the reduction in operational energy consumption of open RAN infrastructure in infrastructure installed at the University of Utah Mobile Network Lab in collaboration with Vodafone, Wind River, Keysight Technology, and Radisys. Measured using actual traffic scenarios, the results confirmed power savings of 9% and 12% in scenarios with high and low mobile traffic, respectively.

Furthermore, RAN slice assurance technology enables the provision of 5G services that guarantee Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which ensure performance and quality levels. Network slicing plays a crucial role in helping service providers deliver innovative new services and maximize return on network investment. Accordingly, Intel emphasized that the delivery of services and business models is possible by leveraging 3rd Gen Intel® Xeon® processors.

Intel and VMware experimented with dynamic RAN slice resource allocation for SLA assurance on an open cloud platform supported by the VMware Telco Cloud Platform (TCP). Through this, they demonstrated the ability to support multiple cells and virtual distributed units (vDUs). The experiment was conducted using VMware xApps hosted on the VMware Real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). The RIC uses O-RAN standard interfaces to dynamically allocate cell resources, supporting the fulfillment of end-user SLAs. The operator can provide differentiated services based on slicing through SLA guarantees in the local mobile network.

Intel demonstrated AI and machine learning-based Network Slice Radio Resource Management (NSRRM) xAPP SLA assurance on an O-RAN intelligent controller integrated with an open and virtualized RAN based on Intel® FlexRAN™ reference software, which includes an AI/machine learning-based scheduler. This presented the possibility of providing telecommunications operators with revenue-generating business models using optimal radio resources.

Christina Rodriguez, General Manager and Vice President of Wireless Access Networking at Intel, said, “Industry-wide opportunities like Plugfest demonstrate the value of collaboration toward open ecosystems and software-defined networks. Intel is committed to driving technological innovation and intelligence across RAN environments, including CloudRAN and OpenRAN networks, and to supporting operators in achieving all the business and efficiency benefits of RAN virtualization.”