Verizon, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm Technologies, has successfully deployed multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality in its commercial network.
This deployment marks a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology and demonstrates yet another way AI is being used in Verizon’s network to drive operational efficiency.
In this first multi-vendor deployment, Verizon integrated Samsung’s AI-powered Energy Saving Manager (AI-ESM) with Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite’s RIC to integrate energy efficiency into its network.
Adam Koeppe, SVP of network technology, strategy, and planning at Verizon, said the introduction of the RAN Intelligent Controller will allow for greater flexibility and control over network operations.
The RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) is a software-based component within a mobile network’s Radio Access Network (RAN) that uses artificial intelligence and automation to optimise network performance by making decisions based on network conditions. It’s a key part of the Open RAN architecture, enabling the integration of third-party applications to enhance network capabilities.
“We believe that virtualisation is the key to realising the true benefits of AI. Samsung’s software-based vRAN provides the most optimal foundation to apply and utilize AI technology,” said Magnus Ojert, SVP and head of US networks business at Samsung Electronics America.
