O2 has partnered with NEC to conduct a trial of OpenRAN know-how utilizing {hardware} from a number of distributors.
OpenRAN gives operators with open, standards-based, and interoperable software program and {hardware}. This offers carriers extra flexibility of their deployments, reduces price, and improves the resilience of networks.
The joint trial between O2 and NEC used virtualised RAN software program from Altiostar along with {hardware} from GigaTera Communications, Supermicro, and others.
Derek McManus, COO of O2, mentioned:
“The partnership between NEC and O2 guarantees to speed up the availability and progress of OpenRAN options within the UK.
O2 will proceed to remodel our community by means of collaboration and the optimisation of latest applied sciences corresponding to OpenRAN.”
The trial used O2’s core community and was carried out at NEC’s recently-established Center of Excellence within the UK.
Mayuko Tatewaki, General Manager of the Service Provider Solutions Division at NEC Corporation, commented:
“We are extraordinarily excited to be driving this journey on the house floor of our OpenRAN Center of Excellence within the UK.
Through shut collaboration with O2, we’re honoured to contribute to the diversification and innovation of community transformation.”
NEC created a customized OpenRAN structure for the trial which was optimised for O2’s community. The system’s efficiency was described as “solid” and included end-to-end testing and interoperability verification.
O2 proprietor Telefonica plans to construct on its success with OpenRAN trials within the UK with comparable assessments for its 4G and 5G networks in different markets it operates together with Germany, Spain, and Brazil.
