Ericsson RAN compute powers NTT 5G and AI dreams

Ericsson's RAN Compute platform, featuring the RAN Processor 6672, was deployed this month by NTT DoCoMo to support its 5G network and future AI ambitions. The solution claims four-times higher capacity efficiency and over 50% energy reduction, and complies with O-RAN Alliance specifications, helping DoCoMo expand 5G coverage in urban Japan. NTT DoCoMo SVP Masafumi Masuda said the platform will support its infrastructure strategy and anticipates future AI use.

Ericsson is providing its radio access network RAN compute platform to support NTT DoCoMo as the operator develops its next-gen telecom and AI ambitions. The Ericsson RAN Compute platform was deployed this month by the Japanese operator with the promise of lower costs in centralized RAN C-RAN deployments, which see RAN compute products installed in an aggregated manner. Specifically, the deployment utilized Ericsson RAN Processor 6672. DoCoMo highlighted Ericsson's claim that the solution provides four-times higher capacity efficiency while reducing energy consumption by more than half, helping the operator to "accommodate continued growth in mobile data traffic demand while maintaining a stable and high-quality network experience for customers." The Japanese carrier also pointed to the solution's compliance with O-RAN Alliance specifications, with such operability helping DoCoMo expand its 5G coverage, including in Japan's more densely populated urban areas. DoCoMo said it would maximize the use of its 280-megahertz of combined spectrum resources across the 3.5 GHz, 3.7 GHz, and 4.5 GHz frequency bands through massive multiple-input, multiple output units MMUs and the latest base station equipment. In a statement, Masafumi Masuda, SVP of NTT DoCoMo's RAN Design Department commented: "DoCoMo is promoting the enhancement of network processing capacity to maintain and improve communication quality while meeting the growing traffic demand. Ericsson’s RAN Compute platform will strongly support our infrastructure strategy thanks to its high processing performance. We will continue to deepen our partnership with Ericsson to build a flexible network platform that anticipates the future use of AI and deliver the best communication experience to our customers."