Ericsson expands partnership with Google Cloud with Cloud RAN offering

Ericsson is expanding its long-standing partnership with Google Cloud to develop an Ericsson Cloud RAN solution which runs on Google Distributed Cloud (GDC). The joint solution offers integrated automation and orchestration and leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)for additional communications service provider (CSP) benefits.

The deployment of Ericsson Cloud RAN on GDC enables service providers to utilize Google Cloud Vertex AI, BigQuery and other cloud services, to improve the usability of the massive data sets being provided by Cloud RAN applications. This will open a number of opportunities for CSPs to control, inspect, configure, and optimize their RAN infrastructure.

With Ericsson Cloud RAN, CSPs can also create networks based on open standards and interfaces using multiple vendors. The Ericsson Cloud RAN solution is infrastructure agnostic, allowing RAN applications to be deployed on any infrastructure chosen by the CSP.

"We're proud to enable Ericsson Cloud RAN to run on Google Distributed Cloud Edge infrastructure, which includes access to our AI/ML capabilities as well as cloud-native automations. We're delighted to recognize Ericsson as a distinguished Google Cloud Partner and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers," said Gabriele Di Piazza, Senior Director, Telecom Products, Google Cloud.

The full implementation of the Ericsson vDU and vCU was successfully demonstrated on GDC Edge and the solution is running live in the Ericsson Open Lab in Ottawa, Canada. 

Ericsson and Google Cloud are jointly enhancing the solution through the Linux Foundation open-source project Nephio - a Kubernetes-based automation platform for deploying and managing highly distributed, interconnected workloads such as 5G network functions.

Marten Lerner, Head of Product Line Cloud RAN, Ericsson, said, "This partnership enables us to deepen and expand our valuable collaboration with Google Cloud, and it opens new opportunities for operators to utilize the benefits of cloud-native solutions and automation."