Seoul, South Korea - Samsung Electronics is solidifying its commitment to Open RAN (O-RAN) technologies by announcing two major milestones.
Why does it matter?
Open standards promote choice: Open RAN protocols make it easier for MNOs to use hardware and software from multiple vendors, fostering greater competition and flexibility than traditional "closed" deployments.
Technology leadership: Samsung's advancements in collaboration with critical partners indicate a maturing Open RAN ecosystem. Operators will benefit from more sophisticated solutions with potentially improved energy efficiency.
Cost savings and innovation: Increased vendor choice can lead to lower prices and faster operator innovation.
Verizon compliance tests
In collaboration with Verizon, the company has completed O-RAN conformance testing for five commercial LTE and 5G NR radios.
This significant step demonstrates that Samsung's Open RAN devices perform per established industry standards.
The tests included advanced features such as beamforming on Massive MIMO radios, a critical aspect for optimizing 5G coverage and capacity.
"We are enabling forward-thinking operators like Verizon to deploy a virtualized Open RAN," said Jisha Hall, vice president of operations, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics America.
Open RAN architectures promise greater flexibility for carriers by making hardware and software interoperable.
Verizon is at the forefront of O-RAN adoption and is committed to increasing flexibility and innovation in its networks.
Vodafone and AMD Collaboration
Samsung also collaborated with Vodafone and AMD to achieve the industry's first end-to-end data call using an Open RAN setup powered by an AMD EPYC™ 8004 Series processor.
This demonstration is a testament to the growing O-RAN ecosystem and highlights the potential for improved performance and energy efficiency through multi-vendor collaboration.
"Vodafone is constantly looking to innovate its network by exploring the potential and diversity of the ecosystem," said Nadia Benabdallah, Network Strategy and Engineering Director, Vodafone Group.
The More:
These advancements position Samsung as a major player in Open RAN solutions, working with global carriers such as Vodafone and Verizon to shape the future of telecommunications infrastructure.
Samsung's Open RAN portfolio supports advanced network capabilities, and the company continues strengthening its ecosystem partnerships.
