Introducing the Qualcomm Edgewise Suite for accelerating 5G rollouts and Open RAN adoption

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is focused on the realization of the connected intelligent edge, driving the convergence of wireless connectivity and efficient computing that enables the growth of a cloud-connected economy. An important cornerstone of this mission is the continuous innovation of breakthrough capabilities that can shape and modernize the architecture of radio networks. 

This is why we’re so excited to announce the Qualcomm Edgewise Suite, the latest technology innovation to join our infrastructure portfolio through the acquisition of Cellwize Wireless Technologies Pte. Ltd.

Qualcomm Edgewise is a robust RAN service automation, management, and orchestration (SMO) platform that sets new standards in how mobile network operators, OEMs, system integrators, and other industry stakeholders can make their cloud-centered 5G and Open RAN aspirations a reality.

Our RAN SMO platform expedites intuitive and intelligence-driven deployment of cloud-based cellular infrastructures — including both public and private 5G networks — delivering the intelligence needed to help ensure superior network performance and get you ready for the future of Open RAN today.

The 5G edge with Qualcomm Edgewise

With Qualcomm Edgewise, 5G macro and small cell technology leadership merges with the most advanced RAN automation technology to provide operators with:

• Accelerated public and private network deployments: Automated configuration and optimization powered by advanced AI and ML research and expertise simplifies the entire 5G deployment lifecycle — reducing the cost of planning and enabling efficient utilization of new technologies and use cases. When applied to 5G Private Networks, Qualcomm Edgewise  sets a new standard for automation and management that can be applied across enterprise verticals. This is an extraordinary complement to our broader Private Network investments that span RAN platforms, device platforms, and ecosystem development initiatives. With deployments at over 30 public mobile network operators worldwide, it brings field-proven capabilities for accelerating the time to market of public and private 5G networks.
• A multi-vendor ecosystem for open virtualized networks: As a horizontal SMO solution, and with Qualcomm Technologies’ rich ecosystem of collaborations, network operators can select any vendor for customizing, diversifying, and differentiating their network without worrying about ensuring automation interoperability. Furthermore, with increased automation and RAN lifecycle management, the platform aims to deliver operational efficiencies and help operators reduce operating costs. Qualcomm Edgewise is the de-facto choice of global tier-1 operators for RAN SMO and hybrid Open RAN environments. It will also enable private network operators to support multiple small cell vendors to meet vertical and customer specific needs. Qualcomm Edgewise supports vRAN, is compliant with current O-RAN specifications, and is continually evolving to align with new and updated open standards with its future-ready, adaptive architecture.
• Programmability that enables an application marketplace: The platform is designed to support and manage all types of rApps, both self-developed and third party, and offers open interfaces to assure their interoperability. This approach, along with open APIs that connect to any network application, democratizes network development and accelerates the creation of local features and algorithms. The result is faster and more cost-efficient development of multiple use cases, improved alignment with customer needs, streamlined service ideation, prototyping, and execution, and increased innovation with a faster time to market.
• The broadest flexibility for supporting traditional RAN, vRAN, and Open RAN: Qualcomm Edgewise abstracts the proprietary interfaces and data structures of RAN networks for unmatched architecture flexibility. This way it is designed to support traditional and modern interfaces, the coexistence of both, plus multiple cellular generations — including legacy generations, as well as 4G and 5G. The platform is designed to orchestrate every type of RAN vendor and technology, fully automating complex heterogeneous networks, and addressing multiple use cases with an application layer that is unified across all network vendors and elements. Furthermore, it is designed to automate cloudified vRAN workloads and applications at scale. And with Qualcomm Technologies’ many active contributions to Open RAN forums and committees, it boosts and accelerates Open RAN adoption which is critical for fully realizing the benefits of 5G.

As the global proliferation of 5G continues to grow, we are advancing our technology leadership with Qualcomm Edgewise. With the introduction of this innovative platform, operators can leverage a powerful combination of deep automation, advanced AI and ML, a rich partner ecosystem, an adaptive architecture, open APIs, and a unified application layer to make the future of 5G and Open RAN possible for themselves and their customers, today.