Fujitsu Network Communications is collaborating with Meta Connectivity to accelerate the adoption of open radio access network (Open RAN) technologies worldwide. Under the agreement, Fujitsu will contribute 5G massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) Radio Units (RU) as part of Evenstar, a program by Meta Connectivity and global industry partners to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technologies, compliant with 3GPP specifications. The RUs will be tested, validated and listed on the TIP Exchange Marketplace in the second half of 2022.
With commercial 5G deployments gaining momentum worldwide, an increasing number of network service providers are embracing Open RAN technologies to take advantage of greater component choice, reduced costs and improved network performance. With standardized open radio interfaces, service providers have the flexibility to source radios from different suppliers. The development of a robust Open RAN ecosystem, accelerated by Evenstar, will allow mobile network operators to select best-of-breed components from an increasing number of suppliers, helping bring new 5G services to market faster.
Fujitsu will provide 3.5 GHz RUs that support O-RAN standardized interfaces. With 64T64R antennas, the massive Multi-User MIMO radios will deliver higher spectral efficiency, better coverage and lower interference at the cell edge than traditional radios. The low power consumption and efficient use of spectrum will also contribute to carbon neutrality. Leveraging Fujitsu’s extensive experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the radio hardware will feature advanced beam steering capabilities including Dynamic Weight Based Beam Steering, UE (User Equipment) Channel Information Based Beam Steering and Attributed Based Dynamic Beam Steering to intelligently provide capacity when and where needed.
“Massive MIMO technology provides dramatic advancements in throughput and spectral efficiency which enable performance improvements for superior 5G consumer experiences,” said Dr. Femi Adeyemi, head of the wireless business unit at Fujitsu Network Communications. “Our collaboration with Evenstar will give global service providers more 5G ecosystem options, accelerate delivery of 5G services, and support carbon neutrality for a sustainable society.”
“The development of a vibrant Open RAN ecosystem will allow mobile network operators to select best-of-breed components from an increasing number of suppliers,” said Jaydeep Ranade, director of wireless engineering at Meta Connectivity. “Fujitsu’s massive MIMO contributions to the Open RAN ecosystem are an important part of our efforts to continually improve performance of the RAN through innovation and automation.”
