The telecom industry is at a pivotal moment. With increasing demand for scalable, energy-efficient and agile network solutions, Cloud RAN has emerged as a promising technology for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) ready to lead the charge into the future. By embedding cloud-native principles into RAN, CSPs can unlock new operational efficiencies while addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving network landscape.
But, as with any new technology, adoption doesn’t happen overnight. Many CSPs remain cautious, seeking proof of scalability, cost efficiency, and operational flexibility before committing to a transition. That’s where Nokia and Dell Technologies’ latest announcement steps in.
Nokia’s anyRAN solution is now available as a fully validated solution in Dell’s Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab (OTEL). It provides customers with unparalleled access to explore and experience the benefits of Cloud RAN without making long-term commitments.
Building a Path to Cloud RAN Integration
The Nokia anyRAN solution is designed for flexibility. It allows CSPs to deploy RAN functions using cloud-native containerized software on any infrastructure—whether public, private or a hybrid cloud. And, thanks to Dell’s state-of-the-art telecom hardware and infrastructure expertise, this partnership delivers a pre-validated solution for CSPs to engage at any stage of their cloud transformation journey.
Key Differentiators Include:
- Hands-On Exploration: OTEL enables CSPs to interact with Cloud RAN technology directly to witness its capabilities.
- Flexibility Across Architectures: Nokia’s Cloud RAN ensures deployment consistency whether CSPs adopt centralized, distributed, or hybrid RAN architectures together with purpose-built RAN.
- Performance and Scalability: By optimizing performance for Dell’s advanced telecom server and storage platforms, this partnership ensures high capacity and reduced cost-per-bit. Nokia’s Cloud RAN software is scalable and delivers the high performance familiar from purpose-built radio networks.
- Zero Trust Security: Comprehensive end-to-end security covers not only Cloud RAN but also the entire supply chain, safeguarding CSP operations.
Nokia and Dell are paving the way for smoother cloud transitions by offering CSPs a first-hand experience and strategic expertise
Collaboration Begins with OTEL
Dell’s Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab serves as a collaborative innovation environment for testing, certifying, validating and lifecycle-managing telecom solutions in real-world scenarios. This lab provides a unique opportunity for CSPs and their network operations teams to learn about commercially-available Cloud RAN solutions such as Nokia’s anyRAN solution.
This unprecedented access enables engineers to explore the benefits of cloud-native technologies, including Dell powered telecom infrastructure, supporting their operational needs, boost efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).
Successful Use Cases
The partnership between Nokia and Dell lays the groundwork for global Cloud RAN deployments:
- Vodafone Italy Open RAN Trials: Nokia and Dell successfully tested their Cloud RAN solution running on Dell PowerEdge XR8000 servers with Vodafone Italy, demonstrating the system’s flexibility, manageability, and ability to deliver consistent performance across hybrid network environments.
- Global Cloudification Impact: Nokia’s anyRAN solution and Dell’s infrastructure have proven their compatibility, scalability, and energy efficiency, making them key enablers for CSPs transitioning toward cloud-native deployments.
Expertise That Sets Us Apart:
- Nokia’s Radio and Network Management Leadership: Industry-leading RAN software ensures performance consistency across all deployment scenarios.
- Dell’s Telecom Solution Expertise: Dell’s hardware is optimized for Nokia’s demanding RAN workloads, meeting Network Equipment-Building System (NEBS) requirements and supporting multi-tenancy, enabling CSPs to maximize infrastructure efficiency.
Unlocking True Value
Nokia and Dell’s collaborative Cloud RAN reference design doesn’t just offer production-ready technology—it accelerates time-to-market for CSPs while lowering operational and capital expenses. CSPs can access pooling gains, optimize hardware and software resources, and deliver improved TCO performance.
Key Benefits Include:
- Enhanced Scalability: Flexible models accommodate distributed or centralized deployments, adjusting to specific CSP needs.
- Operational Simplification: Common software across infrastructure types ensures seamless integration, reducing complexity in hybrid networks.
- Energy Efficiency: By leveraging industry-leading hardware and container-based infrastructures, Nokia and Dell ensure improved energy usage without compromising performance.
Cloud RAN Adoption Through Strategic Collaboration
“I’m very happy that Nokia’s commercial Cloud RAN solution is now available in a live demonstration in the Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab (OTEL) of Dell Technologies in addition to our own Executive Experience Center. This is another example of the seamless collaboration between Nokia and Dell. Together, we offer mobile operators and enterprises an opportunity to explore the functionality and applications of a fully validated Cloud RAN solution and help them plan their cloudification journey with confidence.”
– Aji Ed, VP, Head of Cloud RAN, Nokia
With the Nokia Cloud RAN solution displayed in Dell’s Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab, the telecom industry is on the cusp of a major breakthrough. CSPs worldwide now have the opportunity to prepare for deploying Cloud RAN confidently. Whether adopting cloud-native approaches immediately or hybridizing for gradual transformation, Nokia and Dell remain trusted partners for CSPs’ cloudification journeys.
Want to learn more about the future of Cloud RAN and how it can elevate your operation? Contact us to schedule a session at Dell’s OTEL Lab today!
