Five innovators establish energy efficient Open RAN

Posted 6 Aug 2024

Digital Catapult has today launched its first SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme, collaborating with leading organisations to address energy efficiency challenges in Open RAN operations. With telecommunications networks accounting for 90% of operators’ energy use, and the Radio Access Network (RAN) representing 80% of this consumption, five teams will develop, build and implement new solutions to make the global Open RAN market more sustainable.

Delivered by Digital Catapult and supported by Ofcom, with funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), SONIC Labs is an innovation programme and R&D facility established to explore the practical viability and performance of Open RAN solutions. Open RAN enables ongoing enhancements in energy management, and by breaking down network components, SONIC Labs’ inaugural technology access programme will consider how energy usage in Open RAN operations can be optimised; championing industrial sustainability through deep tech innovation.

The new access programme launches as Open RAN is now projected to account for 20-30% of worldwide RAN revenues by 2028, and as Europe’s Open RAN revenue share is set to nearly double by 2028. Developing and deploying energy efficient Open RAN solutions will be key to supporting the global mobile telecoms sector to achieve its environmental objectives, cutting its carbon footprint whilst meeting growing demand from customers and commercial partners.

With access to state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor testing sites, the five teams will receive technological guidance and opportunities for collaboration with the broader Digital Catapult network. Running for eight months, the participating companies will also have the opportunity to expand their value propositions, providing a pipeline of innovative and competitive suppliers and products in the Open RAN market. The impact of the programme and the participant’s pioneering solutions will be demonstrated at a showcase event planned for early 2025 to government and industry.

Net AI, the University of York School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, and zTouch Networks will explore how applied artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions can enhance the performance and resource usage of the radio network used in Open RAN. This will be achieved by optimising a component of the Open RAN architecture called the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), which manages radio resources through real-time analytics and control. Optimisation using RIC will improve network efficiency, reduce energy consumption and enhance the performance of Open RAN networks.

To operate effectively, Open RAN splits the components of a wireless communication network, called the Radio Unit (RU), Distributed Unit (DU), and Centralised Unit (CU), allowing for more cost-effective disaggregation of network resources. As part of the programme, G REIGNS and JET Connectivity will benchmark and optimise the energy consumption of the CPU server cores used by the DU and CU, to provide energy efficient solutions for the mobile network operator (MNO) and private network provider community. This will lead to enhanced scalability, improved service delivery and reduced operational expenses for global MNOs and private network providers.

Not only will this slash energy use across digital networks such as 5G, but it will also save money for network operators and provide a more competitive service to consumers.

We’re proud to support researchers who strive to make the UK’s tech sector more efficient and sustainable, and this is exactly the type of programme that pushes forward innovation in the telecoms sector – so the benefits of growth are felt amongst British consumers.
Chris Bryant Telecoms Minister

Energy efficiency continues to be an area of significant focus for the successful development and adoption of open networks around the world. Given this challenge, the SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme will give pioneering organisations the opportunity to work collaboratively with Digital Catapult to build, implement and test tangible solutions to help accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology in the UK. This programme marks an exciting new phase in the evolution of SONIC Labs, working jointly with Ofcom, and the journey towards a more diverse and competitive mobile telecoms supply chain.
Dritan Kaleshi Director of 5G Technology at Digital Catapult, and the SONIC Labs programme

We are thrilled to be part of SONIC Labs and eagerly anticipate the wealth of collaboration and innovation it will bring. This programme represents an incredible opportunity for growth and development, and we are confident that the insights and experiences gained will be invaluable to our journey. Specifically showing how our 5G RAN stack can is O-RAN compliant and interoperable with the major vendors in the programme.
James Thomas CEO of Jet Connectivity

This is a critical project and as a UK-based AI tech startup we are delighted to be a part of it. Hopefully this signifies a serious commitment to energy reduction in UK telecommunications. We have the talent and technology in the UK to lead the industry on energy efficient intelligent networks, we can’t wait to collaborate and deliver results.”
Paul Patras Co-founder and CEO of Net AI

Private portable 5G networks are increasingly being recognised across the world for their versatility. Whether that’s for a pop-up shop, a factory line, or emergency responders. We’re excited to be part of the SONIC Labs programme, and make even more advances around Open RAN efficiency.
Daniel Ping Vice President of Engineering at G REIGNS

At zTouch Networks, we are extremely happy and excited to participate in the first ever SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme. This is a unique opportunity for us and the entire O-RAN community to truly demonstrate benefits of Open RAN, and advance and promote its adoption via intelligent networks that are sustainable and profitable at the same time. We are grateful to SONIC Labs and Digital Catapult to give us access to unique O-RAN facilities. This will give us the opportunity to leverage our experience in developing AI solutions for Open RAN to design, develop and demonstrate the next-generation of Open RAN networks powered by automation and intelligence.
Dr Tommaso Melodia President at zTouch Networks

Participating organisations in the SONIC Labs Technology Access programme include:

G REIGNS

G REIGNS is a subsidiary of HTC Corporation. G REIGNS focuses on private 5G network solutions using 5G O-RAN SA architecture, and is devoted to providing; optimised vRAN software solutions, all-in-one standard portable turnkey solutions, and project-based scalable enterprise solutions, across the world. For more information visit reignnet.com

JET Connectivity
JET Connectivity is building high-value and resilient 5G and data networks for offshore communications. We have deployed world-first capabilities, addressing needs not currently met by other communications setups, with a user-centric, seamless connectivity approach. Our solution enables offshore windfarms to reduce reliance on archaic VHF and TETRA radios for communications, moving past the current state-of-play, delivering faster, cheaper, robust and sustainable connectivity, enabling end-users to maximise profitability and longevity of offshore assets. For more information, visit https://jet-eng.co.uk/

Net AI

We empower telcos to unlock the value of intelligent networks using AI. In an era marked by rising energy costs, climate change, and an insatiable demand for uninterrupted, seamless connectivity, we believe that AI is our greatest ally. We are a founding team of professors and super talented developers who have built the most accurate forecasting software in the world. Our mission is to assist networks to upgrade and transition into a hyper efficient intelligent infrastructure fit for the future. For more information, visit https://netai.tech/

University of York

The University of York exists as a University for Public Good. Our founding values of excellence, equality and opportunity for all are as true today as they were when we opened our doors in 1963. As a member of the Russell Group, our thriving research and innovation culture is at the forefront of new knowledge and understanding. Our research reflects our extraordinary and diverse community and partnerships. From a spark of curiosity, we explore the unknown and open up new ideas and opportunities for all. For more information, visit https://www.york.ac.uk/

zTouch Networks
zTouch Networks has created a transformative AI-based management platform for the Open RAN cellular industry through its autonomous network operating system, zTouch.OS. zTouch.OS simplifies and streamlines how Open RAN networks are deployed, monitored, and controlled using intent-based orchestration, automation and AI-based control. For more information visit ztouchnet.com