Vodafone Expands Open RAN with Dell Technologies

Vodafone has selected Dell Technologies as a strategic infrastructure provider for its five-year programme to modernise Open RAN deployment across Europe. The collaboration provides Vodafone with a platform to expand its Open RAN footprint, enhance network performance and lay the groundwork for future mobile infrastructure.

Announcing the agreement from Round Rock, Texas, Dell Technologies states that the partnership supports Vodafone’s aim to build a scalable and automated network fabric across its European markets.

The programme is part of Vodafone’s long-term investment to deliver more efficient and adaptable connectivity for customers.

According to the company, the use of Open RAN technology intends to improve flexibility in network architecture by separating hardware and software components. The approach enables Vodafone to integrate systems from multiple vendors, optimise operations and create an upgradeable infrastructure.

Francisco Martin, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at Vodafone, says the move is part of a broader commitment to developing new network technologies. “We are focused on delivering the best experience for our customers by investing in new technologies and architectures, including 5G Advanced, Open RAN, direct-to-device satellite and RAN automation on our journey towards building robust and autonomous networks,” he says.

“Working with Dell reinforces this commitment, strengthening our Open RAN Network with Dell solutions and providing a foundation for exceptional customer services and innovation.”

Dell PowerEdge servers to support Vodafone’s rollout

As part of the agreement, Dell will provide Vodafone with its PowerEdge XR8000 series servers, including the PowerEdge XR8620t and PowerEdge XR8720t systems. Powered by Intel Xeon 6 SoC processors, these servers are designed to meet high-performance and consolidation requirements.

The PowerEdge XR8000 series supports high fronthaul port density, enabling a reduction in site footprint and lower total cost of ownership. The configuration allows for Vodafone to deploy a single server per site, thereby reducing operational complexity and enhancing overall network efficiency.

Dell will supply its Telecom Infrastructure Automation Suite (DTIAS), which Vodafone intends to use as the Infrastructure Management Service within its Open RAN architecture. DTIAS provides automated lifecycle management capabilities for network infrastructure, designed to streamline operations and reduce manual intervention.

Dell states that the use of DTIAS will allow Vodafone to introduce cloud-native and programmable network environments more efficiently.

The system automates network functions, enabling faster deployment across multiple sites and supporting Vodafone’s goal of achieving greater scale and operational consistency.

Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President at Dell Technologies, describes the collaboration as part of Dell’s strategy to support open and virtualised telecom networks. “Our collaboration with Vodafone reflects our long-standing commitment to advancing open networks and supporting the telecom industry in achieving its most ambitious goals,” he says.

“With purpose-built infrastructure, automation and AI-driven solutions, we’re helping to build intelligent, resilient networks that unlock new opportunities across Europe, from improving network performance to creating new revenue streams.”

Vodafone builds automation and scale through Dell DTIAS

The intent of Vodafone’s implementation of Dell’s Telecom Infrastructure Automation Suite is to enhance its infrastructure management at scale. The system offers automated deployment, configuration and monitoring capabilities, enabling faster rollouts and updates.

DTIAS serves as a key component in Vodafone’s plan to build a more programmable network architecture.

By introducing automation into the RAN environment, Vodafone can standardise infrastructure management processes and introduce zero-touch provisioning, aligning with its broader digital transformation strategy.

The collaboration supports Vodafone’s environmental and sustainability objectives. By consolidating hardware and automating energy management through software-defined processes, Vodafone aims to create a more efficient network that can be upgraded or reconfigured without significant physical changes.

Dennis notes that Dell’s approach aligns with Vodafone’s requirements for scale and flexibility. “Together, we’re shaping the future of connectivity and driving progress for customers and communities worldwide,” he says.

Collaboration extends Open RAN footprint across Europe

Vodafone’s Open RAN initiative spans multiple European markets, with ongoing deployments focused on enhancing network coverage and capacity. The integration of Dell infrastructure is designed to standardise network elements and simplify management across the region.

Its Open RAN strategy supports interoperability between different equipment vendors, enabling the introduction of new technologies without disrupting existing services. The approach reduces dependency on proprietary systems and allows for greater adaptability as network demands evolve.

Vodafone’s use of Dell’s hardware and automation software aligns with its goal to transition towards autonomous network operations.

Through the combination of automation, cloud-native design and virtualisation, Vodafone seeks to reduce operational costs and improve time-to-market for new services.

Francisco says the collaboration strengthens Vodafone’s capacity to deliver advanced connectivity.

“Working with Dell reinforces this commitment, strengthening our Open RAN Network with Dell solutions and providing a foundation for exceptional customer services and innovation,” he says.