Mavenir incorporates Intel AI into commercial Open RAN software

Mavenir is working with Intel to pioneer innovative AI/ML Open RAN solutions to improve challenging cell edge problems that impact user quality of experience.

In a statement, Mavenir said that it has made a significant breakthrough in Open RAN technology by collaborating with Intel to demonstrate an AI-enabled TDD 32TRX massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution.

The company has successfully integrated Intel’s RAN AI model for beam management and FlexRAN reference software with Mavenir’s commercial mMIMO vDU software to deliver enhanced network performance and user experience, it said.

Intel’s RAN AI model – trained on 3GPP channel model datasets – optimizes beam weights, direction, and number of layers to maximize UE throughput. The combined Mavenir and Intel solution is designed to improve performance in challenging radio environments – such as cell edges and high-rise building scenarios – and is applicable for both TDD and FDD deployments.

Bejoy Pankajakshan, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, Mavenir, emphasized the significance of this technology integration, stating, “This latest collaboration between Mavenir and Intel highlights the compelling potential of AI/ML for enhancing Open RAN capabilities, promising greater network efficiency and an enhanced user experience. The integration of third-party innovative AI/ML algorithms with Mavenir’s leading-edge commercial RAN software suite opens many exciting possibilities ahead to usher in faster innovation and advance the 5G Open RAN ecosystem.”

“Our leadership in the Open RAN industry is enabling transformative partnerships such as our collaboration with Intel, which are paving the way for unique solutions to optimize network capabilities for the benefit of operators and end-users,” said Pankajakshan.

Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager of the Comms Solutions Group at Intel, said, “Intel Xeon processors’ integrated AI acceleration, combined with the Intel vRAN AI Development Kit, enables operators to run a variety of RAN AI workloads using the CPU-based equipment they already have.”

“Our collaboration and demonstration with Mavenir highlight AI’s significant potential to enrich customers’ user experience and provide mobile operators with a competitive differentiator,” said Rodriguez.