Open vRAN (Radio Access Network) technology is undoubtedly shaping the future of mobile networks. A significant part of its appeal is that it harnesses software-defined systems which operate on off-the-shelf hardware, still delivering on the high expectations for 5G while maintaining an unparalleled level of energy efficiency.
Playing an instrumental role in the advancement of this technology, QCT (Quanta Cloud Technology) has joined forces with tech giant Intel. Together, they’ve introduced servers that integrate Intel’s state-of-the-art FlexRAN architecture, which has made a mark on open vRAN designs worldwide.
These revolutionary servers feature the latest 4th Gen Intel Xeon® Scalable processors integrated with Intel vRAN Boost. In layman’s terms, this means the servers have combined the computing power of a CPU with an accelerated system into one simple system-on-chip (SoC).
Now, let’s break it down. What exactly is the FlexRAN architecture and how does it change the game within the radio access network?
Intel FlexRAN facilitates the disaggregation of the radio access network. This means that the technical components that usually work together in conventional network structures are separated. This separation allows for greater flexibility in how the system operates and allows for the integration of innovative software to drive the system.
Benchmarks from an independent report illuminate how QCT servers with FlexRAN architecture enact this technology’s offering effectively. This in turn, not only proves the innovative hardware’s mettle in capitalising on the performance benefits of open vRAN technology but further reinforces QCT and Intel’s positions at the cutting edge of this critical industry shift.
Necessarily, the evolution and adoption of open vRAN and the move towards software-led systems are not without their challenges. But, the demonstrated strides by key industry players, such as QCT and Intel, reflect an optimistic future in this space. Emphasising high performance, significant energy savings, and improved adaptability, these advancements will potentially unlock previously unattainable levels of efficiency and effectiveness within mobile networks – a great step forward for telecommunications as we know it.
