Accelerating open and virtualized networks: How Fujitsu enhances scalability, energy efficiency and performance for mobile network operators

Key Takeaways:

• The demand for high-speed data services means mobile network operators must continuously enhance capacity, while streamlining deployment and operating costs.
• Two industry innovations include Massive MIMO, which packs in more antennas into a radio, and Open RAN, a more flexible architecture that lets you mix and match equipment from different vendors.
• Fujitsu and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. share a vision of enabling billions of users worldwide to experience faster, more reliable connectivity by harnessing the power of Massive MIMO and Open RAN.  

As users worldwide increasingly expect more from their connected experiences, the demands placed on network infrastructure continue to grow and evolve. The team at Fujitsu understands that to address the needs of mobile network operators (MNOs), a sophisticated blend of innovative performance and network efficiency is needed.

But how are networks evolving and what benefits will MNOs and their customers see from this major shift to more flexible, scalable and cost-effective cellular infrastructure? Rob Hughes, head of wireless marketing at Fujitsu Network Communications, takes us through the unique and continuously evolving journey of network transformation.

A network industry titan

Fujitsu Network Communications is part of Fujitsu Limited, a Japanese multinational information and communications technology equipment and services corporation. Fujitsu Network Communications’ solutions — rooted in open technology — make communications networks faster, secure, more autonomous and sustainable, at lower total cost of ownership. They're bringing the power of Digital Transformation (DX) to the communications service providers (CSPs) that keep the world connected.

The vision

Fujitsu, a leader in open networking with over 30 years of RAN deployment expertise, understands MNO customers must enhance capacity to improve the user experience and meet the ever-increasing demand for high-speed data services, while also improving scalability and reducing the total cost of ownership. To help address those challenges, Fujitsu recently unveiled a 64TR Massive MIMO Radio Unit, designed for 5G Open RAN networks. To understand the innovative features of the radio, it's important to understand the development process.

The collaboration

When selecting a technology partner to usher in this new era of high-speed 5G networks, Rob said Fujitsu prioritized quality, reliability, financial stability and supply chain security in its partners. They also looked for a proven track record and a commitment to transparency, collaboration and continuous innovation to navigate future challenges effectively.

Rob noted that Fujitsu's track record of selecting top-tier open ecosystem partners made its collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies a natural choice, particularly given their extensive expertise in wireless communications and power efficiency.

As the world's leading wireless innovator, Qualcomm Technologies continuously develops solutions that enhance the end-to-end network experiences people rely on every day. The collaboration paid off when Fujitsu unveiled the Open RAN (O-RAN) compliant 64TRX Massive MIMO Radio Unit.

Benefits of Massive MIMO

With Massive MIMO, users enjoy a better experience across the network. It also provides dynamic coverage which makes it possible to adjust coverage based on user location and by moving the technology with the user. Standard MIMO, which typically relies on two or four antennas, has been used in wireless communications for many years. Today, the advent of Massive MIMO is radically changing the user experience, providing faster and more reliable connectivity.

Massive MIMO is a core element in high speed 5G networks. Simply put, it uses a “massive” number of antennas to make cellular networks much better. Instead of transmitting everywhere, it uses the larger number of antennas to direct more narrow beams directly to where the users are. Massive MIMO unlocks the potential of 5G by using these advanced beamforming techniques to improve signal quality, which in turn improves capacity, coverage and end-user experience while remaining energy efficient. The power issue is critically important since it reduces an MNOs power usage — a significant operations expense.

The reaction

Massive MIMO’s advanced technology helps optimize spectrum usage, while also increasing network capacity, coverage and energy efficiency. By enhancing the performance of mobile networks, it’s empowering individuals and communities, driving innovation, economic growth and social connectivity.

Early adopters of Open RAN embraced its ability to promote vendor diversity, interoperability and innovation. Eager to stimulate economic growth through competition and to strengthen supply chains for more resilient telecommunications infrastructure, government agencies like the U.S.'s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) have further encouraged the adoption of Open RAN and fostered the growth of the ecosystem.

The future

Fujitsu envisions even more innovative networking developments, including industry-wide adoption of Open RAN, which will lay the foundation for future advancements — including those required for 6G networks.

Rob says he is excited about Open RAN's potential to increase network flexibility and drive the innovations that enable new services and applications that ultimately lead to a more inclusive, connected and sustainable society.

Learnings from Fujitsu

• More MNOs embracing Open RAN will foster innovation and digital transformation leading to the deployment of new services. 
• There’s significant momentum behind Open RAN, with more industry players adopting the more flexible approach. 
• The combination of Open RAN and Massive MIMO is streamlining deployment of high-performance, cost-effective and energy efficient 5G infrastructure. 
• Open RAN and Massive MIMO will serve as foundational components for future network deployments, including 6G.