Ericsson Networks has recently unveiled an enhanced portfolio for RAN Compute, powered by Intel’s cutting-edge 4 process node technology. Known for its role in advancing radio access technology for communication service providers (CSPs), Ericsson’s latest upgrades to the RAN Compute lineup are strategically aimed at addressing the surging global mobile traffic, projected to triple by 2028.
The simultaneous rise in 5G adoption underscores the critical need for robust infrastructure to meet the growing demands, making Ericsson’s new RAN Compute products highly advantageous. Michael Begley, Head of RAN Compute at Ericsson, emphasized the customer-centric approach in designing the enhanced portfolio, catering to the evolving needs of CSPs. The goal is to maximize spectrum utilization and future-proof networks with support for Open RAN architectures.
Ericsson has introduced four distinct products to maximize RAN compute capabilities with optimized performance for the least hardware and energy footprint. These comprise indoor solutions, namely RAN Processor 6672 and RAN Processor 6655, as well as outdoor solutions, Radio Processor 6372 and Radio Processor 6355, each tailored for specific applications.
Notably, these products leverage Intel’s 4 process node technology, showcasing the innovative application of the Intel 4 process. The adoption of Intel 4 in the networking sector is noteworthy, considering its initial association with Team Blue’s upcoming Meteor Lake CPU lineup. Ericsson’s use of this technology in custom ASIC networking highlights a significant stride.
Specifically, the RAN Processor 6672 and Radio Processor 6372 promise four times more capacity and are twice as energy-efficient compared to their predecessors, supporting both 4G and 5G modes in a single package. Furthermore, these new RAN compute products exhibit a 30 to 60 percent reduction in power consumption compared to industry benchmarks.
In summary, Ericsson’s latest RAN Processor and Radio Processors, integrated with Intel’s 4 process, are poised to elevate global networking dynamics. This collaboration signifies a positive step forward in advancing the capabilities of RAN Compute to meet the evolving demands of the telecommunications landscape.
