Nokia says Cloud RAN solution set for 2024 release

Nokia has revealed that its Cloud RAN (Radio Access Network) solution will be commercially available from 2024, following successful trials worldwide. The trials involved hardware vendors, webscale companies, and chipset manufacturers. The tech giant's anyRAN approach allows a rapid transition to hybrid environments that combine Cloud RAN and purpose-built RAN. This helps to maintain consistent performance and interoperability with common software and In-Line acceleration architecture.

In addition to this, Nokia has announced the launch of anyRAN for enterprise, through a joint venture with Microsoft, Cisco, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. This partnership aims to offer private wireless solutions to enterprise customers.

Through these associations, Nokia has completed global trials to assist its customers in building Cloud RAN networks in preparation for the future. The purpose of these networks is to remove complexity while ensuring openness and flexibility. As a result, mobile operators and enterprises are free to select any server and cloud environment, including the Containers-as-a-Service layer, high-tier processing architectures and associated server hardware providers. This flexibility eliminates the potential for supplier lock-in.

With Nokia's high-performance, energetically efficient In-Line accelerator architecture at its core, compatibility with leading cloud or server infrastructures is achieved smoothly. Additionally, Nokia has successfully conducted end-to-end 5G data calls in multi-vendor settings. The innovative anyRAN approach supports any pups-built, hybrid, or Cloud RAN environment, thus enabling customers to launch their Cloud RAN services faster.

The anyRAN for enterprise initiative is set to provide more choice and agility for enterprises through collaboration with top-tier system integrators and cloud core solution providers. It also forges the path to faster deployment, thanks to thorough interoperability testing with core suppliers. This partnership also allows Nokia to support core vendors' networks and their ecosystems, gaining access to fresh segments and markets. The ambition is also poised to hasten the adoption of 5G in the enterprise sector and encourage industries in their digital transformation journey.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commented: "Last year, we launched anyRAN to give our customers more flexibility with Cloud RAN, and we have since made huge strides in making Cloud RAN a commercial reality by completing numerous pilots and trials with the wider industry. We are now extending our reach to private wireless by offering more choices on the core with our industry partners. High-quality and reliable RAN solutions are essential for enterprises to support their mission and business-critical applications and enable business growth."

Alongside these developments, Nokia is set to display enhancements to its comprehensive AirScale product portfolio at the Mobile World Congress 2024. This will include new radios supporting additional bands and bandwidth as well as new ultra-performance plug-in cards for its leading baseband products. Visitors to the event can expect to see the latest developments in Nokia's collaborations aimed at making anyRAN the most flexible and open RAN offering on the market.