Ericsson unveils most advanced RAN Compute products to date

Ericsson has unveiled its latest generation of processors in the Ericsson RAN Compute portfolio to help communications service providers (CSPs) maximize increasingly diverse spectrum assets.

The new products, powered by Ericsson Silicon, are built for the network demands of 5G Advanced and enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

The latest Ericsson RAN Compute portfolio includes four products with high and standard capacity variants, and with both enclosure and outdoor formats, to address varying site needs.

Four next-gen processors

• Two high-capacity processors - RAN Processor 6672 and Radio Processor 6372 - offer four times the capacity compared to the previous generation and can support up to six 4G and 5G modes, in a single unit.
• Standard capacity options, RAN Processor 6655 and Radio Processor 6355

Two innovative software capabilities

• Automated Carrier Aggregation, which helps automatically configure complex carrier aggregation cell relations using innovative software algorithms
• Carrier Aggregation Data Steering - a feature that significantly maximizes mid-band TDD spectrum utilization whilst reserving the precious FDD capacity when needed.

Two high-capacity Router 6000

• Router 6678 - a 4.8Tbps aggregation and Centralized RAN hub router which is  three times more energy efficient compared to the previous generation
• Router 6671 - an energy-efficient 25GE optimized cell site router.

Both routers have built-in intelligence for AI analytics and automation, which can be leveraged through the new Ericsson Transport Automation Controller. 

Ericsson Transport Automation Controller 

It is an intelligent, cloud-native transport controller that uses AI and machine learning to analyze and automate microwave, IP routers and optical networks. The controller will provide the analytics and automation that enable the routers to fulfil the requirements for evolving RAN architectures.

Commenting on today's launch, Michael Begley, Head of RAN Compute, Ericsson, said, "Our new and enhanced RAN Compute portfolio was designed with Ericsson’s customers and their future needs in mind. It both addresses their need to maximize spectrum utilization and facilitates their desire to future-proof their networks with support for Open RAN architectures. The focus on innovation and energy efficiency while reducing both footprint and total cost of ownership has resulted in powerful hardware and software that is both reliable and flexible."