Fueling 5G infrastructure progress with intelligent computing solutions and Open vRAN commercial momentum

Open and virtualized radio access networks (Open vRAN) are gaining momentum with commercial designs and deployments, while intelligent computing innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly growing in importance for 5G infrastructure. As a leader in communications and AI technology, Qualcomm Technologies is at the forefront, fueling what’s next for modern 5G networks.

We are adding intelligent computing products to our 5G RAN portfolio, revolutionizing processing, power efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These Arm-compatible processors are designed by Qualcomm Technologies for use in next-generation Open vRAN servers and cost-effective 5G small cells. We are also sharing news about how we, with our customers, are moving Open vRAN forward in a major way — read on for news regarding Viettel, NTT DOCOMO, NEC, Fujitsu and Mavenir.

Introducing intelligent computing solutions for 5G infrastructure

Our introduction of Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors signals a new era of high performance and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) for mobile network operators (MNOs), while enabling new entrants.  Our new lineup is a portfolio of processors that are purpose-built for diverse use cases: specifically, vRAN server processors with an emphasis on AI workloads, harnessing our expertise in CPU, NPU and GPU technology, in addition to small cell processors, designed to ease the cost-pressure for 5G at home and small office, home office (SOHO).  Let’s dive deeper at what we are doing for each of these important infrastructure scenarios. 

RAN and AI processing innovation for open and virtualized networks

As open and virtualized networks continue to proliferate, in parallel to the expansion of the connected intelligent edge with AI, we are well-positioned to address modern network demands by introducing the Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors for vRAN servers to our portfolio. By leveraging the breakthrough heterogeneous computing capabilities including the Qualcomm Oryon CPU, alongside integrated hardware accelerators (leveraging world-class NPU/GPU technology) and our powerful Qualcomm 5G RAN Platforms, we aim to redefine AI and RAN workload processing in vRAN servers. 

Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors are based on standard interfaces and are designed to be compatible with a multi-vendor ecosystem of accelerator cards. Though, as is often the case with Qualcomm Technologies, given our diverse product portfolio and expertise, our technologies are better together. As shown in the image above, Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors, together with our Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card, work together to efficiently manage Layer 1 and Layer 2 processing, covering challenging and critical RAN and AI workloads. This system approach maximizes performance per watt and streamlines cost structures for Open vRAN deployments.

Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in optimizing and improving modern 5G networks, from the cloud to the network to the device. Driving AI innovation across these vectors is of great value to operators looking to improve performance while reducing operating cost — not to mention, taking a big step toward the autonomous network. 

Who better to apply AI’s many benefits to vRAN servers, a foundational component of modern telecommunications networks? Open vRAN solutions with Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors are currently being evaluated with ecosystem partners.

5G small cell innovation with Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors

As a first step, Qualcomm FSM100 5G RAN platform for small cells, now featuring Qualcomm Infrastructure Processor QIP100 for RAN workload processing, is now commercially available. By introducing Qualcomm QIP100, this platform provides a right-sized mix of performance, capacity, power, cost, size and deployment simplicity for residential and SOHO 5G deployments at scale. With this optimized platform, MNOs, working with Qualcomm Technologies’ infrastructure partners, can address growing demand for high-speed, low-latency 5G at home and small office, filling a market gap while creating a viable upgrade path for legacy deployments of 3G and 4G residential small cells (aka femtocells). 

Open vRAN commercial momentum

The expansion of our 5G infrastructure portfolio comes at a time of significant momentum for Qualcomm 5G RAN platforms — especially our Open vRAN platforms. Just recently, Viettel announced the deployment of 5G Open RAN network equipment using the Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card and Qualcomm QRU100 5G RAN Platform on a live network with real users and data traffic. With live network results reaching 1,200 Mbps (100HMz, 4 Layers), this is a strong validation of Open vRAN’s commercial readiness, marrying competitive performance with the cost and energy efficiency benefits of an Open vRAN architecture.

Building on the important milestone with Viettel, as we enter Mobile World Congress Barcelona, expect to see more news of powerful Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) radio units from our customers, featuring Qualcomm Technologies’ Open vRAN platforms. In one exciting example, Fujitsu will be unveiling an O-RAN compliant 64TRX Massive MIMO Radio Unit, powered by Qualcomm QRU100 5G RAN platform. If you are fortunate to be joining the show in person, stop by their booth to see it on display at stand 2G60 in Hall 2.

Additionally, expect stories of disaggregated RAN improving TCO for operators, supported by power-efficient and multi-vendor vRAN servers sporting Qualcomm X100 5G RAN accelerators cards and Qualcomm QDU100 5G RAN platforms. For example, NTT DOCOMO’s selection of NEC's latest virtualized distributed unit (vDU) solution, incorporates the Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card, for their large-scale Open vRAN commercial deployments. This new deployment aims to deliver a high-performance, low-latency and energy-efficient network, ushering in a new era of connectivity. 

Mavenir and Qualcomm Technologies will be sharing some exciting news at MWC-B about the latest manifestation of our ongoing Open vRAN collaboration — a vDU solution, built with Mavenir vDU RAN software and powered by Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card. This product is designed to reduce mobile operator TCO while improving sustainability with outstanding power efficiency. In addition to the vDU solution, expect news from Mavenir as they extend their OpenBeam portfolio of high-performing and power-efficient Massive MIMO Radios, powered by Qualcomm QRU100 5G RAN Platform. Come see Mavenir at MWC in Hall 2 Stand 2H60 for details.

And this is not all. Keep an eye on these, and our other customers and ecosystem players we are engaged with as we move to the show. We are expecting Open vRAN to be an exciting topic at this year’s MWC and beyond. 

Empowering the future of intelligent 5G infrastructure

Qualcomm Technologies’ introduction of intelligent computing capabilities to its 5G RAN portfolio marks a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications infrastructure. By leveraging AI leadership and powerful compute technology, Qualcomm Technologies is empowering operators to optimize network performance, reduce costs and improve sustainability. With the introduction of Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors for vRAN servers and small cells, coupled with the accelerating commercial designs and deployment of Qualcomm 5G RAN platforms for Open vRAN, Qualcomm Technologies is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of operators in the rapidly evolving 5G landscape.