Orange Spain, in collaboration with technology partners including HPE, Casa Systems, Mavenir, and Dell Technologies, has successfully deployed OpenRAN nodes connected to a cloud-native 5G SA core network. This achievement is a significant step in Orange Spain’s strategy of technological leadership in network development. The data connection milestone demonstrated the benefits of combining OpenRAN and 5G SA networks, allowing for efficient deployment and management of the infrastructure.
The integration of OpenRAN and 5G SA networks has proven to expedite the deployment process, with the core and access domains of the 5G network being deployed within an hour. Automation played a vital role in implementing the infrastructure, leading to significant time savings. Moreover, the dynamic management of virtual networks, prioritization of traffic, and adherence to security principles are crucial in providing critical communication services, including those for law enforcement.
The merging of these technologies also offers advantages in terms of energy consumption. Orange Spain highlights that resource allocation can be adjusted to the minimum requirement, optimizing energy efficiency. By adopting open-source software and leveraging data, Orange Spain aims to establish a 5G Standalone network that prioritizes the customer experience and enhances operational efficiency.
Alexis Salas, Director of Engineering at Orange Spain, emphasized the significance of this pilot in their vision for the future of telecommunications networks. The successful deployment not only allowed for testing of the technology itself but also provided valuable insights into the necessary skills and processes for network transformation. This pilot project serves as a crucial step towards Orange’s vision of a smarter and more efficient network, with a focus on continuous improvement in customer experience.
Orange has been an advocate for OpenRAN, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2021 to progress and deploy OpenRAN alongside other prominent telecom operators such as Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, Vodafone, and later joinedTIM. The pioneering Pikeo network, Europe’s first 5G SA end-to-end experimental cloud network, serves as a blueprint for future network development and has been launched at Orange’s research labs in Lannion, Brittany.
Overall, Orange Spain’s successful integration of OpenRAN nodes with a cloud-native 5G SA core network demonstrates the potential of these technologies to enhance network development, improve operational efficiency, and provide superior communication services to customers.
Sources:
– [Orange completes OpenRAN and 5G SA data transfer](https://www.telecompaper.com/news/orange-spain-leads-deployment-of-openran-nodes-following-data-transfer-to-5g-sa-network–1443395)
– [Orange Spain showcases success of OpenRAN and 5G SA integration](https://telecomstechnews.com/news/2023/mar/14/trial-unites-two-strands-operators-network-development-and-evolution/)
