Samsung Electronics and Vodafone at this time introduced that the businesses have efficiently accomplished the primary name using Samsung’s virtualized RAN (vRAN) resolution and Intel1 Xeon 6 SoC (system-on-chip), marking a primary milestone in Europe. This take a look at of the most recent chipset reinforces a shared dedication to advance next-generation autonomous networks, that are constructed on a software-driven, cloud-native and open community structure, absolutely supporting AI.
The take a look at name was made on the Intel Xeon 6 SoC optimized for vRAN software program able to supporting intensive workloads, AI functions and companies throughout 2G, 4G and 5G networks on a single high-performance server. This streamlined configuration paves the way in which for Vodafone to handle fewer methods and fewer {hardware} that carry out on par or higher than conventional RAN baseband options, whereas decreasing prices, power consumption and offering a extra versatile basis to introduce AI all through its community. This milestone was achieved in tandem with ecosystem companions, Dell Technologies (server) and Wind River (cloud platform) and can be commercially deployed throughout 2026.
The announcement builds on the choice of Samsung as a key strategic companion for Vodafone’s deployment of Open RAN at scale throughout Europe. Together, the businesses deployed their first Open RAN take a look at web site in Germany final 12 months and have been extending the expertise to extra business websites. Later this 12 months, the Hanseatic metropolis of Wismar within the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is about to change into the primary metropolis within the Vodafone cellular community in Germany to be absolutely geared up with Open RAN. With community efficiency matching or exceeding that of conventional hardware-based options, Vodafone’s Open RAN deployment in Germany is on observe to cowl broader areas within the nation in a phased method, pushed by the fast integration of the most recent processor developments.
Samsung and Vodafone have continued to strengthen their community collaboration based mostly on open structure by integrating superior processors and incorporating AI-powered automation into business networks. By fostering an open ecosystem, Open RAN accelerates the supply of high-performance, energy-efficient connectivity whereas enabling Vodafone to quickly introduce modern companies that seamlessly adapt to evolving buyer calls for.
“Vodafone is focused on delivering the best possible customer experience by building a future-ready network,” mentioned Marco Zangani, Director of Network Strategy and Architecture, Vodafone. “The test conducted with Samsung, alongside our implementation of open network architecture, supports this strategy, enabling us to introduce new 5G-Advanced services while enhancing energy efficiency and streamlining operations through automation and AI from the cell site to the edge of the network and in the core.”
Samsung’s vRAN presents the flexibleness to help the most recent processing applied sciences as they arrive to market, making certain operators stay forward of the trade’s fast innovation cycle. Operators can effectively handle community sources and apply unused computing capability to host and run AI and edge functions straight on their present telco infrastructure, nearer to the place the information is generated and used. Such versatility allows seamless processing energy administration and enhances responsiveness, whereas additionally paving the way in which for next-generation buyer experiences that vary from rising units to extra dynamic, latency-sensitive functions.
“This breakthrough with Vodafone shows how a software, cloud-native approach empowers networks to become more efficient, more adaptable and ready for what’s next,” mentioned Everth Flores, Vice President and Head of Samsung Networks Europe. “By advancing towards extra versatile networks, we aren’t solely facilitating instant AI adoption but additionally laying the important groundwork for an AI-native, 6G-ready infrastructure. We are…
