"Parallel Wireless has launched a groundbreaking 5G Standalone (SA) Open RAN software stack, representing a significant advancement in mobile network technology. Designed to increase operator flexibility and efficiency, the solution is hardware agnostic, ensuring compatibility with multiple processor platforms including ARM and Intel x86. In particular, the Distributed Unit (DU) in the 5G Open RAN is also hardware-agnostic, providing operators with unprecedented freedom and adaptability. With an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, the innovative network infrastructure makes a significant contribution to green technology advancements. In a remarkable achievement, Parallel Wireless successfully deployed its 5G Open RAN software on both ARM and x86-based distributed units in Bristol, UK, demonstrating the technology's versatility. This milestone collaboration with Arm, BT Group and others, supported by the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, creates a strategic advantage by introducing flexibility in processor choice, thereby increasing the adaptability and robustness of 5G networks."
NASHUA, N.H., - Parallel Wireless, a provider of Open RAN solutions announced on December 12 a landmark achievement in collaboration with Arm, BT Group, NXP Semiconductors, Real Wireless and the University of Bristol, supported by funding from the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT/DCMS). This milestone represents a significant advancement in 5G Open RAN technology and marks the successful deployment of Parallel Wireless' hardware-agnostic 5G Open RAN solution in the UK.
The deployment took place at the 5GUK testbed, a private network in Bristol Harbour established to facilitate research and innovation. Parallel Wireless, in partnership with the University of Bristol, deployed a standalone 5G Open RAN solution, demonstrating the ability to decouple a common distributed unit (DU) software stack from the underlying compute platform. Remarkably, this approach was validated on both Intel x86 and Arm architectures in an outdoor 5G deployment.
Advancing 5G networks through innovation
The strategic advantage of the deployment lies in Parallel Wireless' pioneering use of Arm GPP-based Distributed Units (DUs) in a 5G Open RAN installation. By using Arm processors, the project introduces unprecedented flexibility for operators, allowing them to choose processors from a variety of manufacturers. This move expands the range of hardware options beyond traditional x86 platforms, promising cost-effective alternatives and significant power savings. The versatility of this approach also opens up a variety of supply chain options, enabling operators to select components that best suit their unique needs, ultimately improving the adaptability and resilience of their networks.
The University of Bristol's 5GUK Outdoor Network, comprising three cell sites in Bristol Harbour and an additional indoor cell at the University of Bristol's Smart Internet Lab, served as the test bed. Two outdoor sites used distributed units with a physical layer powered by NXP Arm-based chipsets, while the third used an Intel x86 processor. The Parallel Wireless 5G Open RAN solution, with a 5G standalone core and 100MHz bandwidth, was deployed as the centralized RAN. In this configuration, the entire vBBU (both CU and DU) is operated from a remote data center, with only the RU located at the cell site.
Reinventing the 5G Landscape
The successful deployment of Arm-based GPP DU-PHYs in a real-world outdoor 5G deployment is a groundbreaking achievement, coexisting harmoniously with stations based on alternative architectures. Working with DSIT, the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Parallel Wireless has achieved a historic milestone in the development of Open RAN solutions.
Parallel Wireless' achievement is the result of DSIT funding for its innovative Proteus project, which enables processor-agnostic RAN solutions adaptable to both Intel x86 and Arm-based technologies. The project has demonstrated the robust performance of Parallel Wireless' 5G Open RAN solution, ensuring a seamless experience for 5G user equipment (UE).
Baruch Navon, President of Parallel Wireless, expressed his excitement, "This remarkable achievement is a testament to Parallel Wireless' unwavering commitment to advancing open and flexible RAN solutions."
Maria Cuevas, Networks Research Director at BT Group, acknowledged the positive impact of the trial on Open RAN technology, highlighting its potential to increase flexibility in the choice of hardware technology for different radio deployment environments.
Parallel Wireless' dedication to innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of 5G technology has culminated in this historic achievement. The hardware-agnostic 5G Open RAN solution, coupled with the Distributed Unit, provides operators with unparalleled flexibility, resilience and sustainability, ensuring continued innovation throughout the extended lifecycle of 5G networks.
