Software Radio Systems (SRS) has successfully deployed its srsRAN Enterprise 5G solution at Altice Labs’ innovation hub in Aveiro, Portugal. This deployment aims to showcase the real-world capabilities of srsRAN in a private 5G network environment with particular emphasis on multi-cell scenarios and advanced positioning capabilities. The collaboration between SRS and Altice Labs exemplifies Europe’s vision to become a leader in Beyond-5G (B5G) technology, providing a robust foundation for future developments in 5G and 6G solutions.
Strategic Importance of Private 5G Networks
The Role of SRS’s srsRAN Enterprise 5G in Private Networks
The SRS solution developed in-house comprises a scalable and portable full-stack centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU), tailored specifically for the enterprise and private 5G market. This innovative Open RAN service guarantees comprehensive indoor and outdoor connectivity, catering to various user network requirements. The deployment includes CU and DU software provided by SRS, O-RAN radio units from multiple suppliers, and Druid Software’s Raemis 5G core. To efficiently manage and scale the network, Kubernetes clusters are employed, exemplifying a well-thought-out architecture.
The implementation at Altice Labs demonstrates the practical application and flexibility of private 5G networks, aiding business customers in overcoming limitations posed by traditional GNSS systems, especially in indoor and urban scenarios. The focus on 5G-based location services addresses these challenges, offering enhanced performance and reliability. This deployment underscores the strategic importance of private 5G networks, reinforcing the industry’s need for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions enabled by Open RAN and virtualized network architectures.
Collaboration and Innovation
The collaborative efforts between Altice Labs and SRS bring forth a new era of innovation in private 5G solutions. By leveraging the strengths of each partner and integrating advanced technologies, the project aims to deliver enterprise-grade 5G solutions efficiently. Altice Labs’ participation highlights the significant role of close partnerships in facilitating technological advancements and fostering innovation. Paulo Firmeza, General Manager at Altice Labs, emphasizes the importance of these collaborations in driving the future of private 5G networks.
SRS CEO Paul Sutton notes that the successful deployment of srsRAN Enterprise 5G at Altice Labs not only demonstrates the potential of Open RAN but also solidifies the position of private 5G networks as a critical component for enterprise connectivity. The integration of third-party and open-source solutions like Open5GS and OpenSlice within Altice Labs’ 5G lab enables comprehensive testing and validation of core technologies and architectures before commercial launch, ensuring reliability and high performance.
Europe’s Ambition in Beyond-5G Technologies
Imagine-B5G Project and Sector-Specific Use Cases
The Imagine-B5G project, funded by the European Commission, plays a pivotal role in advancing B5G innovation, addressing sector-specific use cases, and supporting European vertical industries. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of European verticals in innovation and digitization by deploying concurrent trials that meet stringent B5G and 6G application requirements. Through this project, Europe seeks to establish itself as a global leader in Beyond-5G technologies, driving sector-specific advancements and positioning European industries at the forefront of technological evolution.
The Imagine-B5G project focuses on integrating broadband and advanced 5G technologies with third-party and open-source solutions, facilitating comprehensive testing and validation of core technologies and architectures. By addressing specific use cases and enabling vertical industries to innovate, the initiative aims to propel Europe into a leadership role, fostering continued growth and development in the telecommunications sector. This project underscores the strategic importance of collaboration, highlighting Europe’s ambition to lead in the evolution of B5G technologies.
The Practical Impact of GNSS Limitations
One of the key themes identified in the successful deployment of srsRAN Enterprise 5G at Altice Labs is the limitation of traditional GNSS systems, particularly in indoor and urban environments. These limitations often pose challenges for businesses relying on precise positioning and location services. However, the integration of 5G-based positioning solutions offers a viable alternative, overcoming the constraints of GNSS and providing enhanced accuracy and reliability.
The collaboration between Altice Labs and SRS exemplifies the practical impact of overcoming GNSS limitations through advanced 5G technologies. By implementing private 5G networks equipped with superior positioning capabilities, businesses can achieve reliable indoor and urban connectivity, facilitating diverse applications and use cases. This development highlights the tangible benefits of adopting 5G-based solutions in real-world scenarios, driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency for business customers.
The Future of Private 5G and Open RAN Innovations
The Path Forward for Europe
The deployment of srsRAN Enterprise 5G at Altice Labs marks a significant milestone in advancing private 5G network capabilities. The initiative showcases technical innovations and collaborative efforts vital for driving the future of B5G technologies. These advancements position Europe as a leader in the telecommunications sector, paving the way for continued progress and development in private 5G and Open RAN solutions. The successful integration of 5G-based location services further underscores the practical impact of these innovations, offering a promising alternative to traditional GNSS systems.
Europe’s commitment to leadership in Beyond-5G technology is evident through the Imagine-B5G project and the collaboration between industry pioneers like Altice Labs and SRS. By addressing sector-specific use cases and deploying advanced trial initiatives, Europe is poised to maintain its competitive edge in the global telecommunications arena. The ambition to lead in B5G and 6G technologies reflects a forward-thinking approach, fostering continued innovation and development in the industry.
Conclusion: Next Steps and Future Considerations
Software Radio Systems (SRS) has successfully rolled out its srsRAN Enterprise 5G solution at Altice Labs’ innovation hub in Aveiro, Portugal. This deployment aims to demonstrate the practical applications of srsRAN in a private 5G network setting, specifically focusing on multi-cell scenarios and advanced positioning capabilities. The collaboration between SRS and Altice Labs highlights Europe’s ambition to lead in Beyond-5G (B5G) technology, building a robust foundation for future advancements in both 5G and 6G solutions. This initiative underscores the importance of innovation and technological growth in the telecommunications industry, positioning Europe as a significant player in the global race toward next-generation connectivity. By implementing these advanced network capabilities, SRS and Altice Labs are paving the way for cutting-edge applications and services, which will cater to the ever-growing demands of the modern world, from industrial automation to enhanced mobile broadband experiences.
