As service providers transition into digital experience providers, cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the telecom landscape. As 5G deployment continues, the industry is already looking ahead to 6G and its transformative potential. At the same time, OTT (over-the-top) players are challenging traditional models and pushing for open and disaggregated networks. Radisys is at the forefront of this evolution, enabling high-performing, future-proof networks while optimizing costs.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Prakash Siva, Senior Vice President, Head of Technology & Architecture at Radisys, touched on everything from AI-driven engagement to next-gen digital endpoints, also outlining how Radisys is driving innovation, redefining digital experiences, and helping service providers stay competitive in a rapidly shifting market.
As service providers evolve into digital experience providers, what key technologies are driving this shift, and how is Radisys enabling it?
These are truly exciting times in technology. At the core of telco innovation are programmable networks and network APIs (application programming interfaces), which empower us to deliver hyper-personalized digital multimedia experiences. By integrating advanced video analytics, robust security protocols, and low-latency gaming applications, we provide subscribers with tailor-made content and services that meet their unique needs.
We are also harnessing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), large language models (LLMs), and edge inferencing. These cutting-edge technologies fuel next-generation offerings like real-time speech recognition and conversational analytics while also optimizing network reliability.
Through AI-driven planning, installation, and predictive maintenance, we ensure seamless, efficient service delivery.
To effectively scale these innovations, we have embraced microservices and cloud-native architectures to enable unified management of both fiber-based (PON (passive optical network)/wireline) and wireless broadband networks. This strategic shift accelerates deployments and significantly reduces operational costs.
Underpinning our 5G ambitions is the development of diverse silicon platforms that support both in-line and look-aside Level 1 acceleration. By standardizing high-level software across these chipsets, we consistently deliver premium digital experiences, whether it be for streaming, IoT (Internet of Things), or immersive applications. Additionally, capitalizing on white-box hardware built on merchant silicon allows us to deploy cost-effective, high-performance disaggregated networks, dramatically lowering CapEx while expanding broadband access to underserved communities.
Ultimately, the Radisys integrated portfolio—encompassing the Engage Digital Platform, 5G RAN (radio access network), PON/broadband solutions, and Mimosa/UWB (ultra-wideband)—forms a cohesive ecosystem that drives innovation, reduces costs, and positions us at the forefront of a constantly evolving digital landscape.
Looking ahead, we are committed to continuous innovation and improvement. Our dedicated R&D (research and development) efforts ensure that our network solutions remain agile, secure, and scalable to meet the growing demands of a connected world.
While 5G is still being rolled out, 6G is already on the horizon. What are Radisys's key focus areas for next-generation networks, and how will they redefine the digital experiences of tomorrow?
Radisys 5G RAN software leverages x86 commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers and modern compute platforms, integrating seamlessly with top-tier hardware accelerators and graphics processing units (GPUs) to enable targeted AI/ML processing. As we transition towards 6G, our roadmap includes AI-native RAN capabilities, complimented by intelligent processing at the physical layer (L1-PHY), dynamic packet scheduling, real-time inferencing, and smart radio resource management for enhanced mobility and traffic steering. Our containerized vRAN (virtualized radio access network) solution scales effortlessly across hybrid environments, whether deployed on public cloud, private cloud, at the edge, or in a data center. Additionally, by integrating our RAN and AI-enabled media processing at the edge, we are poised to transform industrial, public safety, and healthcare applications.
OTT players continue to disrupt traditional telecom models. How can open and disaggregated networks help service providers compete more effectively, and what unique role does Radisys play in this transformation?
Radisys enables service providers to compete with OTT players by driving seamless connectivity and unlocking monetization. We help communication service providers (CSPs) deploy disaggregated multi-access networks, combining fiber-based passive optical network with extended reach (xPON), 4G/5G, and Wi-Fi to deliver seamless broadband coverage across urban, suburban, and rural markets. Tiered pricing and service levels also attract diverse subscribers, reducing churn and boosting engagement. This infrastructure control strengthens CSPs’ leverage over OTTs reliant on their networks.
Radisys further equips CSPs with endpoint devices, such as customer premises equipment (CPE) and optical network units (ONUs), embedding localized application ecosystems (e.g., digital payments, gaming) to monetize connectivity. Bundling broadband with region-specific apps creates new revenue streams. CSPs also bridge telecom and OTT services, offering blended experiences (e.g., Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and streaming) with consistent reliability across all access types.
The Engage Digital Platform provides both programmable communications and networks and boasts generative AI (GenAI) and edge inferencing capabilities, enabling CSPs to deliver enterprise-grade solutions like live translation, AI call screening, and secure video analytics. These differentiated business-to-business (B2B) services outpace OTT capabilities. Radisys also supports private/citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) networks to ensure that CSPs can provide a reliable, secure, connectivity experience that integrates favorably with their public networks.
Finally, AI-driven customer support tools blend conversational AI with human agents, resolving routine issues efficiently while escalating complex queries. This elevates customer satisfaction and loyalty.
By combining robust connectivity, blended service models, and AI innovation, Radisys positions CSPs as agile, customer-centric providers.
They gain competitive advantages through infrastructure ownership, diversified revenue, and value-added services that OTTs cannot replicate, ensuring long-term relevance in a connectivity-driven ecosystem.
Radisys promises high-performing, future-proof networks while reducing service delivery costs. Can you share a real-world example of this balance being successfully achieved?
Radisys is at the forefront of empowering telecom innovation, delivering carrier-grade solutions that combine scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency. Our Engage Digital Platform has been deployed for leading Tier 1 CSPs globally, supporting applications from basic media transcoding to cutting-edge AI-driven use cases like real-time language translation, fraud detection, call screening, and speech/video analytics. Inherently built as cloud-native functions, these solutions optimize infrastructure efficiency while meeting stringent telco performance benchmarks. A prime example is our development of Deutsche Telekom’s Cloud Booster infrastructure, where Radisys’s real-time media processing and digital applications have been deployed cost-effectively on the telco’s cloud-native architecture, enhancing operational agility.
Beyond core networks, we are redefining connectivity with Dense Air through a distributed 5G RAN platform. This neutral-host solution streamlines indoor and outdoor cellular deployments, enabling public and private networks to coexist seamlessly.
Together, these innovations underscore our commitment to driving scalable, future-ready telecom ecosystems through partnerships and technological excellence.
From AI-driven engagement to next-gen digital endpoints, what are some of the most exciting innovations Radisys is working on to enhance customer experience and network intelligence?
Radisys enhances customer experience and network intelligence through three transformative pillars:
- Engage Clarity: This is a low-cost, network-based hearing aid solution that rivals products like Apple’s AirPods, improving audio quality for the hearing impaired and elevating subscribers’ quality of life.
- Multi-Access Networks: These networks combine xPON, 5G, and UWB/Wi-Fi technologies to deliver affordable, ubiquitous broadband, such as pairing xPON/fiber with 5G backhaul for seamless connectivity.
- AI-Powered Virtual Assistants: These assistants are redefining interactions by utilizing multimodal, human-like capabilities. They have been trained on custom data sets specifically developed for contact centers, B2B applications, and telecom services. These assistants turn real-time voice streams into insights via AI speech analytics and large language models.
For CSPs, integrating Agentic AI-based virtual assistants unlocks monetization opportunities for call centers, B2B services, and consumer apps, enabling predictive analytics and personalized support.
Radisys is empowering CSPs to humanize communication, drive business growth, and transform lives through intelligent, immersive networks.
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