AI-RAN
Optimizing the RAN for Performance, Efficiency & Agility
What Is AI-RAN?
5G is delivering capacity and throughput improvements, but many Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have not yet realized the new market and revenue potential to cover the tremendous costs of 5G buildouts. AI-RAN is becoming the next positive disruptor in operator networks, helping MNOs maximize their 5G investments. In AI-RAN architecture, AI and vRAN workloads share a common infrastructure by combining both cloud and network capabilities to improve network performance, operations, and revenue potential.
1Finity is a pioneer in AI-RAN, having collaborated with ecosystem partners for years to develop and refine AI-driven RAN architectures that are poised to redefine network performance and business models. As a member of the AI-RAN Alliance, we are committed to accelerating the application and commercialization of AI-RAN, to help operators enhance network performance while increasing monetization opportunities.
AI-RAN Models
AI and RAN
In this model, AI and RAN workloads converge onto a common platform, enhancing platform utilization and enabling monetization of unused capacity.
AI for RAN
AI for RAN uses GPU and AI algorithms to dynamically improve network and service performance. For example, by using AI to improve channel error estimation, MNOs can reduce interference and enhance signal processing.
AI on RAN
AI on RAN enables secure, real-time AI applications at the network edge so MNOs can bring new services, like Extended Reality (XR) to real-time video analytics to Agentic AI.
What Is vRAN?
vRAN (virtualized Radio Access Network) is a cloud-native, software-driven solution that virtualizes traditional RAN baseband components (Centralized Units and Distributed Units, commonly known as CU/DU) and runs them on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) servers instead of proprietary hardware. This enables faster innovation because both the hardware and software can evolve independently. vRAN provides a scalable, hardware-agnostic platform for maximizing performance, power savings, and agility. 1Finity’s O-RAN-compliant vRAN solution is a key component of our AI-RAN solution.
1Finity’s vRAN Solution Highlights
World’s first carrier-grade
GPU-accelerated
vRAN solution
Successfully deployed
in AI-RAN field trials
Extended 50 km
fronthaul
How Can Open RAN Facilitate the Transition to AI-RAN?
A new wave of Open RAN deployments is underway. This resurgence comes as MNOs are seeking to cut costs, increase revenues, and reduce network complexity by leveraging greater use of AI in the network. That’s because the cloud-native architecture, open interfaces, and greater standardization of Open RAN enable AI-RAN applications to be implemented more easily.
As AI technology advances, some Radio Unit (RU) vendors inevitably will be better or faster at integrating AI into their RAN baseband offerings. With Open RAN, standardized communication protocols and open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allow MNOs to select best of breed solutions, offering the flexibility to select the best AI baseband solutions without having to change out radios. This not only speeds up the adoption of AI-RAN but also helps MNOs protect significant investments in their installed base of radios.
Likewise, standardized communications interfaces in Open RAN facilitate the integration of third-party AI applications, making it easier to implement AI-RAN solutions regardless of which vendor(s) provided the Open RAN solution. For example, third-party xApps or rApps in an Open RAN-compliant RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) can make use of the AI capabilities of a GPU located in the DU.
The intelligence, compute power, and flexibility built into AI-RAN infrastructure will empower MNOs to fully leverage a new generation of self-aware AI applications to improve network performance and reliability, as well as deliver valuable new services. To keep the process of implementing AI-RAN efficient, it’s important to keep networks open so they can stay flexible and ready for the future.
How Can AI Transform the Future of Radio Access Networks?
The telecommunications industry is rapidly advancing AI applications in the RAN. By combining AI with the low latency and high speeds of 5G, Mobile Network Operators are exploring new AI-driven services to unlock valuable revenue streams.
