Intel and VMware Extend Virtualization to Radio Access Network Through Broadened Collaboration For 5G
August 05 2020 - 8:00AM
Business Wire
Today, Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) and VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW)
announced they are collaborating on an integrated software platform
for virtualized Radio Access Networks (RAN) to accelerate the
rollout of both existing LTE and future 5G networks. As
communications service providers (CoSPs) evolve their networks to
support the rollout of future 5G networks, they are increasingly
adopting a software-defined, virtualized infrastructure.
Virtualization of the core network has already enabled CoSPs to
improve operational costs and bring services to market faster. This
expanded collaboration between Intel and VMware aims to offer CoSPs
reduced development cycles and scale across multiple designs.
Many CoSPs are embracing the idea of having open and
disaggregated RAN architectures that can give them added
flexibility and choice, as well as programmability to create and
deploy new services that require fine grained radio resource
control and dynamic slicing to provide differentiated experiences
such as cloud gaming and cloud controlled robotics. This
collaboration seeks to simplify the steps and reduce the
integration effort involved in creating deployable virtualized RAN
solutions.
Intel and VMware will work with a rich ecosystem, including
telecom equipment manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers
and RAN software vendors, to help CoSPs more easily build on top of
the vRAN platform to address specific use cases. As part of this
effort, Intel and VMware will collaborate in building programmable
open interfaces that leverage Intel’s FlexRAN software reference
architecture and a VMware RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), 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
rollout of new 5G vertical use cases.
“Many CoSPs are choosing to extend the benefits of network
virtualization into the RAN for increased agility as they roll out
new 5G services, but the software integration can be rather
complex. With an integrated vRAN platform, combined with leading
technology and expertise from Intel VMware, CoSPs are positioned to
benefit from accelerated time to deployment of innovative services
at the edge of their network,” explained Dan Rodriguez, corporate
vice president and general manager, Network Platforms Group,
Intel.
“CoSPs around the globe rely on VMware’s Telco Cloud platform to
deploy and manage myriad core network functions. As they look to
extend their software-defined infrastructure out to the RAN, there
are tremendous benefits to delivering all network functions on a
single platform,” said Shekar Ayyar, executive vice president and
general manager, Telco and Edge Cloud, VMware. “With an integrated
platform, CoSPs will be able to deploy new network functions across
the same Telco Cloud architecture, from core to RAN, enabling the
scale and agility needed to deliver services across a 5G network
more efficiently.”
Customer & Partner
Support
Intel and VMware are working closely with CoSPs, as well as
telecom equipment manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers
and RAN software vendors, to accelerate their time to market as
they deliver virtualized solutions.
Deutsche Telekom, one of the world's leading integrated
telecommunications companies based in Bonn, Germany, is already
testing a vRAN solution architected by VMware and Intel that is
optimized for real-time, low latency workloads. Alex Jinsung Choi,
SVP Strategy & Technology Innovation (STI), Deutsche Telekom,
said, “We are in the validation phase of our work with VMware and
Intel on our vRAN platform deployment, which we believe can bring
agility to radio access networks (RANs) for both existing LTE and
future 5G networks. It is encouraging to see Intel and VMware
expand their partnership to bring the value of open and virtualized
RAN solutions to CoSPs around the globe.”
Vodafone Group, a global telecommunications company with
mobile operations in 25 countries and fixed broadband operations in
19 markets, is working with VMware to support its global rollout of
virtual network functions. Yago Tenorio, Head of Network
Architecture for Vodafone Group, said: “Seeing VMware and Intel
work together to enhance the performance of general purpose
computing platforms to run uncompromised RAN workflows, and to help
simplify the complexities of product integration, has the potential
to ensure OPEN RAN matures more quickly. It is also an enabler for
faster developments in the Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC) area.
This move is central to the Vodafone initial OPEN RAN vision of
partners that excel in our area, as well as benefit the wider
community.”
As a global leader in technology innovation and business
transformation, Dell Technologies has extensive experience
in offering full-stack, customized IT solutions to the
telecommunications industry and is helping network operators
deliver new products and services faster and more efficiently.
“Communication service providers want to implement cloud operating
models and disaggregate their networks through the adoption of
software-defined infrastructure on industry-standard hardware,”
said Dennis Hoffman, general manager, Dell Technologies Telco
Business Unit. “Using Dell’s compute portfolio along with this
integrated platform from VMware and Intel allows us to address
their needs in a more agile way.”
Additional Resources
- Learn more about how VMware is helping service providers
modernize their networks at telco.vmware.com.
- Bookmark the VMware Telco Cloud blog
- Get all VMware Telco updates on Twitter and LinkedIn
- Learn more about Intel-powered 5G networks at intel.com/5G
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating
world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches
lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the
design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our
customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the
cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash
the potential of data to transform business and society for the
better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to
newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
About VMware
VMware software powers the world’s complex digital
infrastructure. The company’s cloud, networking and security, and
digital workspace offerings provide a dynamic and efficient digital
foundation to customers globally, aided by an extensive ecosystem
of partners. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is
committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough
innovations to its global impact. For more information, please
visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html.
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Intel Media Contact: Krista Foxwell Intel Mobile: +1 503
349 6855 krista.foxwell@intel.com
VMware Media Contact: Stefanie Cannon VMware Global
Communications Phone: +1 650 427 1828 scannon@vmware.com
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