Verizon, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has achieved a successful implementation of multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality within its operational network.
This milestone represents a notable stride in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology, demonstrating how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve operational efficiency within Verizon's network, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal network performance for Verizon customers.
Adam Koeppe, Senior Vice President of Network Technology, Strategy, and Planning at Verizon, said:
Verizon has been leading the innovation and adoption of O-RAN throughout the industry because we believe an open and standardized network drives more competition, more innovation, and increased supplier diversity.
What is a RAN Intelligent Controller?
The RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) is a software-based component in Open RAN that leverages AI and automation to optimize network performance. It allows third-party applications, known as rApps, to enhance coverage, capacity, efficiency, and service quality by analyzing real-time network data.
Unlike traditional closed systems, the RIC operates on open, virtualized platforms, providing greater flexibility and scalability. In line with this, Verizon utilizes open interfaces and standardized protocols from 3GPP and the O-RAN Alliance to manage intelligent solutions efficiently.
Enhancing Network Performance with AI-Powered Solutions
In its first multi-vendor deployment, Verizon combined Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager (AI-ESM) with Qualcomm® Dragonwing RAN Intelligent Controller to integrate energy efficiency in its commercial network. The joint work demonstrated the operation of a multi-vendor ecosystem and resulted in energy savings.
Samsung’s AI-ESM helps Verizon maximize network energy efficiency and facilitates a more sustainable approach without compromising network performance and user experience. It identifies various environments, learns traffic patterns by location and time of day, and evaluates the extent of impact on network performance, helping to find the optimal threshold value.
Through this approach, Verizon was able to achieve an energy savings gain of 15% on average, with a maximum of 35% per sector during low traffic periods in a variety of field tests.
Magnus Ojert, Senior Vice President & Head of US Networks Business, Samsung Electronics America, commented:
By leveraging the large-scale vRAN network that Verizon and Samsung have built together, we will maintain our competitive edge in the AI era, advancing AI-powered solutions to create a positive impact on the environment worldwide.
The Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite builds programmability to enable a vendor-neutral rApp marketplace. The RAN Automation Suite DML (Data Management Layer) provides applications with RAN AI Services, including HNN (Hybrid Neural Network) and DNN (Deep Neural Network) technology, for AI-Driven RAN Management.
Ofir Zemer, VP, Product Management, Qualcomm Israel Ltd, added:
By enabling a vendor-neutral rApp marketplace, empowered by a set of RAN AI services, we are jointly creating a diverse ecosystem and supporting a path of democratizing RAN AI.
Also Read:
O-RAN Breakthrough: Verizon Paves the Way for Multi-Vendor 5G Success
North America Leading the Open RAN Movement: Study Group
Innovative Wireless Test Solutions Unveiled for O-RAN and NTN Applications
Samsung and Qualcomm Achieve Innovative Industry-First FDD Milestone
