First 5G NSA Cloud RAN trial adds to Nokia’s multiple 5G Cloud RAN references – representing a significant milestone in Airtel’s network.
Nokia has confirmed the successful completion of its first 5G non-standalone (NSA) Cloud RAN trial with Bharti Airtel (Airtel) in India.
The trial took place in an over-the-air environment utilizing 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G and 2100 MHz for 4G. Data calls were successfully performed with commercial user devices over Airtel’s commercial network achieving a throughput of over 1.2 Gbps. The trial utilized Nokia’s RAN Software for virtualized Distributed Unit (vDU) and virtualized Centralized Unit (vCU) running on x86 Hardware with a CaaS layer. The trial also used Nokia’s L1 acceleration that will enable enhanced power efficiency and support Nokia’s anyRAN benefits of using common RAN software with the purpose-built part of the network. This will enable common functionality and performance across the hybrid network.
The trial marks a significant milestone in Airtel’s overall cloudification journey and supports the operator’s ambition of bringing cloud networking benefits, such as scalability and agility, to their network.
Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer, Bharti Airtel, said: “This partnership with Nokia has enabled us to pioneer innovative solutions to upgrade our capabilities in 5G.”
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks, Nokia, said: “This successful trial with our long-term partner, Bharti Airtel supports their ambitions for building scalable, agile and highly automated networks.”
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