Innovations in vRAN/Open RAN and CBRS Networks by Samsung
Written on
Chapter 1: Samsung's Strategic Coalition
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Mobile World Congress 2022, Samsung Networks made significant waves in Europe, initiating a series of announcements. These included a commitment to develop a robust coalition focused on virtualized RAN (vRAN) and open RAN, alongside a push into the burgeoning private networks sector and advancements in public safety applications.
As Samsung Networks transitions from its original role as a market disruptor to a recognized leader in technology and thought, its evolving strategy highlights a commitment to innovation in the telecommunications landscape.
Section 1.1: Building a Comprehensive Ecosystem
The primary hurdle facing new frameworks like vRAN and open RAN involves integrating various components from numerous vendors. These components are often generic, categorized as Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products. Consequently, operators and system integrators face challenges in ensuring these components function together as a cohesive system, all while surpassing the performance metrics of legacy architectures. Acknowledging this complexity, Samsung Networks is spearheading efforts to create a comprehensive ecosystem of vRAN/open RAN solutions that are fully interoperable.
The announced coalition includes renowned brands with established reputations, featuring cloud infrastructure providers like Dell and HPE, chipset leaders such as Intel, and cloud software platforms like Red Hat and Wind River. The roster is likely to expand to include additional partners like Qualcomm and Marvell in the near future.
The coalition's main goal is to produce deployment-ready, pre-tested, and pre-integrated vRAN and Open RAN solutions. Those experienced in system integration understand that, despite theoretical standards compliance, unexpected challenges often arise during actual deployments. This collaboration aims to mitigate these surprises, facilitating seamless, reliable, and cost-effective implementations.
Section 1.2: Advancements in Private Networks
Private networks have generated considerable interest lately, marked by announcements regarding deployment strategies and trials. Samsung Networks was among the pioneers in launching a commercial Private Network at Howard University.
During the second day of MWC, Samsung Networks revealed that NTT East had chosen it as a partner for Private Network deployments in Japan's eastern region, following successful 5G Standalone (SA) network testing. This feature is critical for Private Networks, particularly for delivering extensive IoT and mission-critical services to enterprises.
In the United States, CBRS shared spectrum is viewed as essential for Private Networks. Although initial deployments were slow, momentum has increased over the past couple of years. At MWC, Samsung announced a collaboration with Avista Edge Inc. to utilize CBRS spectrum for providing broadband services to rural areas through electric utilities and Internet Service Providers. Samsung will supply its On-Go Alliance certified Massive MIMO radios and a compact core network for this initiative.
Following MWC, Samsung announced another CBRS partnership with Mercury Broadband and t3 Broadband, providing Massive MIMO radios and baseband units for over 500 fixed wireless access sites across several states, with plans for expansion through 2025.
Chapter 2: Public Safety and mmWave Innovations
The first video highlights the collaboration between TELUS and Samsung Networks, showcasing their efforts in deploying Mission Critical Push-to-X (MCPTX) technology for first responders and public safety personnel. This deployment, which leverages TELUS's 4G and 5G networks, is expected to enhance communication and operational efficiency during emergencies.
Samsung Networks' MCPTX solution offers a suite of tools, enabling real-time audio and video communication among first responders, priority access during network congestion in crises, and enhanced traffic control for emergency vehicles.
In another innovative application of mmWave technology, Samsung Networks has partnered with all three major South Korean operators to enhance subway Wi-Fi systems in Seoul. This initiative aims to provide high-capacity backhaul for Wi-Fi access points in subway stations and trains, allowing users to enjoy superior data speeds and connectivity while traveling.
In conclusion, following its successful 5G deployments in the U.S., Samsung Networks is poised to solidify its presence in Europe. It is becoming increasingly recognized as a leader in vRAN/Open RAN technologies, expanding its reach into rural and private network sectors globally.
The announcements made at MWC 2022 serve as strong evidence of Samsung's growth strategy and early successes. It will be intriguing to observe how Samsung Networks continues to evolve in the coming years.
Prakash Sangam is the founder and principal at Tantra Analyst, a leading research and advisory firm specializing in 5G, Wi-Fi, AI, Cloud, and IoT. For insightful articles and the latest updates in the mobile and tech industry, consider signing up for our monthly newsletter at TantraAnalyst.com/Newsletter.
The second video explores how Samsung's CBRS family delivers high-quality, interoperable, and secure solutions, essential for modern telecommunications infrastructure.