Trial unites two strands of operator’s network development and evolution
Orange Spain led a team of technology partners to deploy OpenRAN nodes connected to a cloud-native 5G SA core network – and made a successful data connection. This took place within the Orange Group’s innovation framework and the partners included HPE, Casa Systems, Mavenir and Dell Technologies.
In February 2023, Orange was the first operator in the country to commercially launch a 5G SA mobile network, under the brand name of 5G+. Orange Spain says its latest achievement is “a further step in its strategy of technological leadership in the network”.
Combining network tech
According to Orange, this data connection milestone proved the benefits of combining OpenRAN and 5G SA networks. For example, the 5G network, in the core and access domains, was deployed within an hour, due in large part to automation in implementing the infrastructure.
In addition, dynamic management of end-to-end virtual networks, prioritising traffic and security principles are key to providing critical communication services, such as for law enforcement.
Combining the technologies also helps optimise energy consumption, adjusting resources to the minimum necessary, according to Orange.
Software and data
Alexis Salas, Director of Engineering at Orange Spain, said, “This pilot allowed us to test in a real environment our vision of the future of telecommunications networks focused on the use of software and data as fundamental pillars. Specifically, we have implemented a 5G Standalone network based on open-source software running in our private Orange Cloud environment.
“This network has been deployed, operated and maintained using advanced solutions that aim both to improve the quality of service offered to the customer and to improve the energy efficiency of our operations. This pilot has not only allowed us to test the technology itself but has also been an opportunity to identify the new skills required and define the new processes that this network transformation entails.
“In short, this pilot has provided us with valuable information to further advance our vision of a smarter, more efficient grid that is focused on delivering continuous improvement of our customers’ experience.”
OpenRAN proponent
In January 2021, Orange was a signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that cemented its commitment to progress and deploy Open RAN along with Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone. They were later joined by TIM.
Orange announced its Pikeo network in summer 2021, as Europe’s first 5G SA end-to-end experimental cloud network. It was launched at Orange’s labs at Lannion, Brittany, in July to act as a blue-print for future network development and is being extended to Spain.