Keysight partners with Nvidia to support virtualised network development
Flexible virtualised networks and high-value mobile services can be developed quicker as a result of a partnership by Keysight and Nvidia. Keysight will provide user equipment (UE) emulation to accelerate the deployment of Nvidia’s software-defined network architecture.
Mobile operators are transforming networks with a dynamic virtualised radio access network (vRAN) architecture and open RAN (O-RAN) standard interfaces. These cost-effectively deliver a broad range of services that rely on low latencies and high throughput. A software-defined, elastic network architecture allows mobile operators to meet the requirements of a new digital era of high-value services in augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), autonomous driving, smart factories and gaming, says Keysight.
The company works with mobile operators and network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) to validate 5G and legacy radio access networks as well as core networks that are critical to ensuring the end-user experience of applications using vRAN architecture. Keysight’s suite of UE emulation (UEE) solutions address specifications set by both 3GPP and O-RAN standards organisations, enabling Nvidia to test the Aerial software development kit (SDK) via enhanced common public radio interfaces (eCPRI). The Aerial SDK enables telecomms companies to build and deploy programmable and scalable software-defined 5G virtual radio access networks (RANs) to deliver new AI and IoT services at the edge, Anritsu claims.
The UEE solutions enable users to accelerate verification of a RAN, both over the air and via O-RAN interfaces. Integrated channel emulation capabilities allow users to verify the performance of a RAN deployed in a complex radio environment. Users can access a comprehensive range of real-world scenarios in any 3GPP-specified frequency band for both protocol and load testing.
“With the Aerial SDK, we’re helping the telecomms industry meet the growing computing demands of 5G signal processing by taking advantage of the massive compute capabilities of our programmable GPUs,” said Chris Lamb, vice president of compute software at Nvidia. “By working with Keysight to validate Aerial’s O-RAN compatible radio interface, we have access to their cutting-edge tools, developer support and 5G expertise,” he added.
