Ericsson and NVIDIA to help virtualise 5G radio access networks

Virtualised 5G radio access networks (RAN) could soon become a reality, thanks to a collaboration between Ericsson and NVIDIA.

On 22 October, the companies announced they were working on technologies that would allow communication service providers to build the virtualised, high-performance networks, designed to promote faster and more flexible introduction of new artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) services.

To achieve this, the companies will need to determine how to virtualise the complete RAN solution in a cost, size and energy efficient way, comparable with traditional RANs.

Ericsson Executive Vice President and Head of Networks Fredrik Jejdling said: “As a technology leader, we embrace openness and new platforms where we can continue to innovate and push boundaries to provide our customers with the best possible solutions. With NVIDIA we will jointly look at bringing alternatives to market for virtualising the complete radio access network.”

NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang added: “5G is set to turbocharge the intelligent edge revolution. Fusing 5G, supercomputing and AI has enabled us to create a revolutionary communications platform supporting, someday, trillions of always-on, AI-enabled smart devices. Combining our world-leading capabilities, NVIDIA and Ericsson are helping to invent this exciting future.”

Ericsson brings its expertise in RAN technology, while NVIDIA will share its knowledge in graphics processing unit (GPU)-powered accelerated computing platforms, as well as AI and supercomputing.