ARIANE project: accelerating RAN intelligence across network ecosystems
The project is an extension of ARI-5G initiative and aims to enhance operator trust in RIC applications for RAN deployments, drive RIC and application development, and improve standards for interface design, API flows and security-by-design.
Amdocs, with its expertise and leadership in open and disaggregated networks, is especially excited to be part of this initiative supporting its customers in achieving their network vision and objectives.
In the face of rapidly evolving technology, addressing the complexities of modern networks demands innovative solutions. Amdocs is a pivotal member of the TIP-led Accelerating RAN Intelligence Across Networks Ecosystems (ARIANE) consortium, which with backing from Department of Science Innovation & Technology (DSIT), seeks to accelerate Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) deployment both in the UK and on a global scale. The project, an extension of the ongoing UK Future Radio Access Networks Competition (FRANC) ARI-5G initiative, is set to complete its mission within 18 months. Once concluded, it aims to enhance operator trust in RIC applications for RAN deployments, drive RIC and application development, and improve standards for interface design, API flows and security-by-design.
The consortium, comprising Amdocs UK Limited, TIP (Telecom Infra Project), Accenture UK, Arqit UK, BT Group plc, HCL Technologies, Net Reply UK, Viavi Solutions UK and VMWare UK, and backed by support from Adtran, will carry out carrier-grade simulated testing for three DSIT-highlighted xAPPs/rAPP use cases across various RIC platforms.
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Amdocs, with its expertise and leadership in open and disaggregated networks, is especially excited to be part of this initiative. Anthony Goonetilleke, the company’s Group President of Technology and Head of Strategy, expressed his enthusiasm for this endeavor, remarking, “As Open RAN continues to evolve, we are thrilled to enable increased automation in the network through our work with TIP. Now more than ever, we’re seeing the power that AI has in the network space; we’re also excited about the impact that ML-based improvements in network deployment and operations can bring to energy efficiency and power consumption.”
Evolution of open and disaggregated networks: a transformative period
Over the past four years, there has been a significant shift towards open and disaggregated networks, driven by initiatives led by O-RAN ALLIANCE and TIP’s OpenRAN project, in collaboration with mobile network operators and other industry vendor forums. While there is now a wider array of choices in hardware components for an Open RAN, the software aspects are still evolving.
A critical element of O-RAN ALLIANCE architecture is the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), which allows for the interoperability and portability of software applications interfacing with the radio network. Through the application of AI/ML techniques, it assesses, diagnoses and learns to optimize the performance and resource utilization of radio network elements. For MNOs, this evolution brings the promise of substantial future benefits, such the ability to dynamically adapt radio access at each site, optimize spectrum usage, achieve greater energy efficiency, and enhance coverage and capacity to accommodate fluctuations in customer demand.
With the continued collaboration of all ARIANE stakeholders, the future of the industry is highly promising. The project will deliver cutting-edge solutions that will enhance network intelligence and automation, which are vital for meeting the growing demands of connectivity in the digital era. Amdocs, as a leader and innovator in open and disaggregated networks, is honored to be part of this endeavor, as we support our customers and partners in achieving their network vision and objectives.
