Telstra picks Ericsson to deploy new RAN Compute platform

Ericsson and Telstra announced a groundbreaking, world-first achievement in mobile connectivity with the deployment of Ericsson’s 4th generation of Radio Access Network (RAN) purpose-built compute platform, paving the way for a consistent 5G Advanced platform for Australia.

With live deployment on August 14, 2024, this technology marks a new era in mobile data and connectivity, setting a new benchmark for speed, reliability, and efficiency.

Telstra deployed Ericsson’s RAN Processor 6672 in a baseband pooling configuration, also called a Centralised RAN (C-RAN) configuration, delivering greater than three times capacity compared to the previous generation.

The latest RAN processors are engineered to deliver exceptional data speeds with higher efficiency and reliability. These RAN Compute units handle all the digital signal processing tasks of the RAN including the modulation, demodulation, encoding and decoding and scheduling of a users’ LTE and NR traffic. A more advanced RAN Compute platform allows more data to be processed simultaneously, a better user experience optimised with advanced AI capability all while consuming less energy.

Telstra is the first telco globally to test, validate, and operate commercial traffic on this RAN Compute platform within their C-RAN hubs that service multiple radio sites. In a C-RAN configuration, the new RAN processors offer up to 60 percent lower energy consumption compared to a distributed deployment. This architecture also enables more flexible operations, remove single points of failure and efficient scaling of compute with the use of Ericsson’s packet fronthaul technology.

This deployment is a crucial step toward future-proofing the network and lays the groundwork for forthcoming 5G Advanced and associated technologies. With the latest RAN Compute technology Telstra’s network is set to evolve for the future, offering consumers new and improved features as soon as they are available. The new platform supports advanced automation and AI/ML capabilities, enabling a programmable network that offers enhanced flexibility and responsiveness. Compared to previous generations, the new RAN processors can have up to 20 times more pre-loaded AI models with higher inference capacity enabling superior user experience through AI. This capability will benefit various industries and applications through improved services and innovative network features.

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia, and New Zealand, says, “The deployment of our latest Generation RAN compute platform with Telstra represents a significant global milestone in mobile technology. This breakthrough not only enhances current services but also prepares the network for future innovations providing a more reliable, sustainable experience.

Telstra’s Executive for Wireless Network Engineering, Sri Amirthalingam added, “We aspire to give our customers a world leading mobile experience and this technology will unlock new capabilities and support increased capacity in the network. With Ericsson’s support, it will help us meet our customers’ data needs more efficiently as they rely on their mobile for day-to day tasks and is an important step in laying the foundations for 6G.”