Dell Technologies and Nokia Pave the Way for Open Ecosystem Cloud RAN
Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:17:54 -0000
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Introduction
The advent of 5G technology has ushered in a new era of connectivity, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and the potential to transform industries across the board. Achieving the full potential of 5G requires collaboration between those who are truly driving the open ecosystem. Dell Technologies and Nokia have come together to create an open ecosystem for 5G networks, enabling Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and Enterprises to harness the power of 5G like never before.
The need for open ecosystems in 5G
5G networks incorporate a whole new level of complexity compared to previous generations of radio networks, including multi-layer cloud infrastructure. A hybrid solution combining purpose-built 5G RAN and Cloud RAN, with a combination of centralized and distributed deployments can best serve the diverse requirements of different 5G use cases. The need for performance and cost-effectiveness implies the use of automation and targeted densification. Focused attention to security breach concerns is also essential. The Zero Trust model used by Dell enforces trust across devices, users, networks, applications, infrastructure, and data with automation and orchestration. Open ecosystems drive innovation and scalability by fostering competition, reducing vendor lock-in, and enhancing cost efficiency.
Cloud RAN collaboration
- Nokia has unveiled a groundbreaking concept known as anyRAN, signaling a pivotal shift in how radio access networks (RANs) are built and evolve. Dell's latest generation of XR8000 servers plays a crucial role in this integration. These servers are known for their reliability, performance, and scalability, making them an ideal choice for hosting the cloud-native components of anyRAN. By leveraging Dell's infrastructure, Nokia can ensure that the network's foundation is stable and capable of handling the demands of 5G connectivity.
- Nokia and Dell Technologies are integrating and validating a solution combining Nokia’s 5G Cloud RAN software and a RAN SmartNIC L1 accelerator card with Dell’s purpose-designed telecom open infrastructure, including Dell PowerEdge servers, and Dell storage and switches.
- Dell Technologies and Nokia are working together to deploy research and development (R&D) and testing resources. Dell is using the Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab (OTEL) as the center for testing and validation, while Nokia focuses its work on its Nokia System Test Lab.
Nokia’s Core Networks NFVi platforms are undergoing meticulous testing and verification on the newest generation of Dell Power Edge servers. The testing, verification, and certification process at Dell's OTEL are essential steps in the journey to deploy containerized services in real-world telecommunications networks. By selecting the latest generation of Power Edge servers for this testing phase, Nokia is ensuring that NFVi 4.0 supports modern containerized requirements and is adaptable to the quickly evolving cloud platforms.
Ongoing evolution of the collaboration
Dell Technologies and Nokia have achieved significant progress since the initial announcement of this collaboration at MWC 2023. Both companies have continued to work closely to refine their offerings, address challenges, and push the boundaries of 5G technology.
Both companies hold high hopes for this collaboration, as they see it as the correct path to reduce deployment complexity, streamline processes, and expedite innovation, as demonstrated by the following quotes from leadership at Dell and Nokia:
“The ongoing evolution of this partnership underscores the commitment of Dell and Nokia to staying at the forefront of the 5G revolution.” Gautam Bhagra, Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Dell Telecom Systems Business.
“Our strategic collaboration with Dell is an important component of our innovative anyRAN approach, which brings communications service providers and enterprises full freedom of choice to mix and match purpose-built and cloud-based RAN solutions. Together we translate our collaborative advantage into a competitive advantage for our customers, in a dynamic technology landscape, where 5G meets Cloud," Pasi Toivanen, SVP and Head of Partner Cloud RAN Solutions, Mobile Networks, Nokia.
Additional resources
Dell Technologies 5G Technologies - Telecommunication Solutions