Samsung, Verizon and Keysight forge ahead with Open RAN interoperability testing
Samsung Electronics has completed conformance and interoperability testing for Verizon network’s LTE and 5G NR radios. According to the two companies, this collaboration signifies a step forward in embracing openness and leveraging Samsung’s expertise in vRAN and Open RAN global markets.
Samsung’s Dallas, Texas lab conducted a series of tests using radios that comply with O-RAN specifications. The tests included various Samsung radios, such as CAT-A radios supporting multiple bands, CAT-B Massive MIMO C-Band radios and C-band and CBRS dual-band radios.
According to Steven Rice, VP of network planning at Verizon, O-RAN plays a critical role in Verizon’s network evolution strategy.
“By leveraging O-RAN radios and software-driven infrastructure with industry-leading partners like Samsung and Keysight, we continue to drive the industry towards a more open, interoperable environment which will provide greater flexibility, greater innovation and better performance for our customers,” adds Rice.
Samsung says that its leadership in Massive MIMO is highlighted by a recent test, showcasing its ability to handle the integration of 64T64R Massive MIMO radios. The company says this is a more complex task compared to simple CAT-A radios.
Verizon has deployed 64T64R Massive MIMO radios nationwide in its large-scale commercial vRAN networks.
The companies conducted tests on the mandatory and optional beamforming capabilities of O-RAN using Keysight Technologies’ Open RAN distributed unit (O-DU) emulator. The results demonstrated performance enhancements.
Samsung Electronics America’s VP of operations for networks business, Jisha Hall, says: “We’re excited to achieve Open RAN conformance across five key radios in our portfolio compliant with the latest O-RAN and 3GPP standards.”
In 2021, Samsung’s vRAN solution supported the launch of Verizon’s first 5G C-band networks. In 2022, Samsung noted that it built the world’s largest vRAN commercial network. The companies say that the ongoing collaboration between Samsung and Verizon highlights their commitment to Open RAN.
Samsung also recently partnered with Vodafone and AMD to showcase the use of AMD processors in an end-to-end call, facilitating Open RAN technology.
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