NTT Docomo highlights its O-RAN progress

In March 2020, Docomo commercialized what it claimed to be the world’s first Open RAN-based 5G community

Japanese service NTT Docomo stated that it’s presently utilizing Open RAN (O-RAN) with the principle goal of enhancing community flexibility and price effectivity, the telco informed RCR Wi-fi Information.

“Docomo has been a pioneer in constructing networks utilizing O-RAN, having launched a multi-vendor suitable communication community inside its 4G service as early as 2015. In March 2020, Docomo commercialized the world’s first Open RAN-based 5G community. By 2023, the telco had over 27 million Open RAN-based 5G subscribers,” the corporate stated.

Final yr, Docomo launched OREX RAN and OREX SMO and started business operation in its cellular community. “This has optimized community automation and the mixing of multi-vendor gear, reaching outcomes akin to a most 30% discount in complete possession prices, a 50% discount in community design and operation workload and a most 50% discount in base station energy consumption,” the Asian service stated.

“Now, by its three way partnership OREX SAI with NEC, Docomo promotes O-RAN adoption, stimulating the market and lowering vendor dependence.Docomo continues to speed up O-RAN adoption globally by OREX SAI, providing extra gadget decisions and additional value discount,” it added.

Commenting on present O-RAN trials, the Japanese firm highlighted that it efficiently performed a 5G O-RAN trial in Indonesia in August in collaboration with native service Telkomsel. “Throughout this trial, we achieved dependable interoperability between our RAN and Telkomsel’s 5G core, introducing use circumstances like distant work help by sensible glasses, which handle workforce challenges beneath the Good Metropolis idea,” stated NTT Docomo.

“Moreover in August, our collaboration with StarHub in Singapore resulted in a profitable lab trial showcasing the business readiness of OREX Open RAN. This trial validated multi-vendor interoperability by integrating options from Fujitsu, NVIDIA, and Dell Applied sciences, demonstrating excessive throughput and low latency outcomes, which confirmed the readiness of O-RAN for broader business deployment,” Docomo added.

Wanting forward, Docomo stated it’s making ready for an upcoming O-RAN deployment trial in partnership with Center East service Ooredoo, simulating the in-house operation of a business O-RAN. This initiative will help the adoption of O-RAN expertise within the Center East, the telco stated.

“Our journey with O-RAN has yielded priceless learnings. Deployment and trials demonstrated its flexibility and advantages. O-RAN permits us to pick the very best merchandise available on the market when it comes to each performance and cost-effectiveness. The journey has additionally reaffirmed the vital significance of vendor interoperability and highlighted the technical expertise essential to combine parts like vRAN, together with servers, digital platforms, and community gadgets,” stated Docomo.

NTT Docomo additionally famous that it’s presently spearheading world O-RAN standardization by the world’s largest Open RAN Ecosystem, “OREX,” and the three way partnership firm OREX SAI.

“As operators transition from vendor-locked RANs to O-RAN, new distributors enter the RAN structure house, stimulating product improvement and value competitors. This aggressive market permits operators to chop capital funding and procurement prices by introducing extra inexpensive gear, bettering gear high quality and diversifying procurement sources to mitigate provide chain and geopolitical dangers.”