Ericsson & Orange France trial future 5G network technology

Ericsson and Orange France have initiated a collaboration to run a series of trials testing the capabilities of 5G networks. The partnership focuses on evaluating technologies that enhance efficiency, flexibility and sustainability within telecommunications infrastructure. The programme involves the deployment and testing of Ericsson-provided radio access network (RAN) solutions and innovation platforms.

The trials allow Orange France to assess the performance of specific hardware and software components under live network conditions within France. The data gathered from these operations is intended to inform the operator's future RAN roadmap and to introduce network automation to the customer base served by Orange France.

Orange France deploys Ericsson FDD Massive MIMO radios for efficiency

Traffic on 5G networks continues to accelerate, coinciding with the emergence of new mobile data use cases. To address this, Orange France is working with Ericsson to test strategies for managing network usage while monitoring environmental impact.

A central component of the testing phase is the pilot deployment of Ericsson FDD Massive MIMO radios. The units feature antenna-integrated radio technology.

The primary objective of the hardware trial is to optimise existing spectral assets. The partners are targeting zones that experience high-traffic demand to evaluate performance.

The engineering teams are testing multiple deployment configurations across France. The approach allows the operator to adapt the infrastructure to specific traffic profiles found in different geographical areas.

The testing process measures the equipment's ability to increase spectral efficiency and network capacity. The results will determine how these configurations influence the user experience for customers on the Orange France network.

Ericsson supports Orange France's Net Zero strategy with energy automation

Orange France is incorporating these hardware trials into a broader Net Zero strategy. The operator is collaborating with Ericsson to examine software solutions and 5G functionalities designed to alter energy efficiency levels across the mobile network.

These trials focus on capabilities powered by automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Specifically, the partners are testing service-aware, intent-driven automation. The technology represents a change in how operators approach energy management within the RAN.

The software innovations under evaluation enable the network to allocate resources based on real-time traffic demand dynamically.

The mechanism aims to reduce energy consumption during periods of lower demand or by optimising resource allocation.

The stated goal is to achieve these reductions without affecting the network's performance or the user experience. 

Emmanuel Lugagne Delpon, CTO Networks, Orange France, says: "Our strategic partnership with Ericsson is accelerating our journey towards enhanced networks for our customers. By leveraging breakthrough spectrum, sustainable technologies and cloud-native solutions, Orange is working to advance its autonomous networks journey and deliver the best 5G experience."

Cloud RAN and Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform facilitate an open architecture

The partnership addresses the network's architecture. Ericsson and Orange France have launched a two-year trial focused on Cloud RAN and Open RAN technologies. The transition involves the virtualisation of RAN functions.

Cloud RAN solutions allow for the creation of software-centric networks. The architecture intends to reduce the time required to bring new services to market. A specific milestone in this trial involved completing a call over the Ericsson Cloud RAN platform. The event took place in the Paris region of France.

Orange France's participation as an experimental partner provides Ericsson with data on live performance and the challenges associated with integration.

To further develop network automation, Orange is conducting field trials of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP). The testing includes the use of Ericsson rApps, which are RAN automation applications powered by AI.

The EIAP serves as a management and automation platform designed for networks that utilise open standards, multiple vendors and multiple technologies.

The platform incorporates elements of the Open RAN Service Management and Orchestration framework.

Orange France intends to leverage the platform and its associated ecosystem of assets and services to increase adoption of programmable networks. The focus remains on performance optimisation. 

Christian Leon, CEO, Ericsson France, says: "Collaborating with Orange on these pioneering trials demonstrates our shared ambition to shape the networks of the future.

"By uniting Ericsson's innovation capabilities with Orange's ambition, we are raising the bar for performance, sustainability and openness in mobile networks."

The initiatives undertaken by the two companies provide a blueprint for network development.

Ericsson continues to supply the technology that enables Orange to advance 5G. The work contributes to the development of connectivity infrastructure in France and across the wider European region.