Intel FlexRAN reference designs deployed in 5G infrastructure

California-based design firm Aricent is developing 5G networks software frameworks running on the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture.

Aricent’s 5G framework will be integrated with the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture, supporting features compliant to 3GPP specifications for non-standalone modes.

The firm’s 4G LTE framework based on Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) architecture also supports Intel’s FlexRAN.

Harmeet Chauhan, president, software and internet at Aricent, writes:

“As 5G comes to fruition, network equipment suppliers can fast track their product roadmaps. This framework can deliver on the promise of 5G.”

With IoT applications in mind, the Aricent eNodeB framework with L1- L3 functionality is pre-integrated on the Intel Transcede chipset to provide LTE-Advance features for Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and enhanced Machine Type Communications (eMTC).

Aricent also offers a lightweight, cloud-native packet core framework including a Collapsed Signalling Gateway (CGSN) that can handle low-throughput communications with NB-IoT devices such as smart meters and a variety of sensors.

Caroline Chan, a v-p at Intel, writes:

“The availability of a robust software framework pre-integrated on the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture enables NEPs to launch innovative new products and realise return on investment.”