While most network modernization efforts begin with virtualizing the workload, service providers are starting to focus on understanding the benefits of end-to-end network transformation and are working on virtualizing all parts of their network, including the RAN. Focusing on an open vRAN helps create a more innovative RAN environment that brings cloud economics to the radio access network environment—an essential component for delivering apps and services on a 5G network.
 
“As traditional RAN evolves into open RAN, we need to accelerate the development of high-performance, scalable open RAN solutions. Our work with VMware and Intel aims to address the scalability and cost savings associated with developing the vRAN macro layer,” says Alex Jinsung Choi, senior vice president of technology strategy and innovation at Deutsche Telekom. “Looking ahead, we plan to work with an ecosystem of open RAN vendors to accelerate the commercial availability of these solutions.”
 
The Open RAN solution architecture leverages Intel's standards-based processors and FlexRAN, a software-referenced vRAN platform, to manage vRAN workloads on VMware's Telco Cloud platform, optimized for low-latency, real-time workloads. The solution will also feature a near-real-time, pre-standard, VMware-developed Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC) that will adopt open O-RAN interfaces with enhancements for real-time radio resource management capabilities, which will be delivered as platform applications. VMware, Deutsche Telekom, and Intel are collaborating with an open partner ecosystem to develop this solution, including key partners such as Cohere Technologies and Mavenir from the outset.