AT&T Ericsson Pioneer First Live rApp Deployment

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• AT&T and Ericsson have successfully deployed a third-party rApp on a live, commercial 5G standalone Open RAN network.
• This milestone represents the first time an rApp, specifically designed for energy saving in a network slice, has been activated to control an active network.
• The deployment signifies a major step toward realizing advanced network programmability and leveraging the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture's capabilities.
• The rApp was developed by Ericsson, utilizing a framework provided by Accelleran, and operated within AT&T's Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform.
• This achievement underscores the potential for multi-vendor interoperability and the development of an open ecosystem for network innovation.

Overview

In a significant development for the telecommunications industry, AT&T and Ericsson have announced the successful live deployment of a custom-developed rApp, marking a crucial step towards the evolution of network infrastructure. This pioneering achievement, described as the first of its kind, saw a specific AT&T Ericsson rApp – an application designed for managing and optimizing network resources – integrated and operational on AT&T’s live 5G standalone network. The move highlights a concerted effort to foster an open and programmable network environment, fundamentally transforming how telecommunication services are managed and delivered.

This Open RAN deployment is particularly noteworthy because it involved a third-party rApp, even though Ericsson developed it on an Accelleran framework. The application’s function is to enhance energy efficiency within a network slice, showcasing the practical benefits of advanced network programmability. It demonstrates the tangible progress being made in the O-RAN alliance’s vision, particularly concerning the capabilities of the O-RAN SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) framework, which facilitates such dynamic application deployments.

Background & Context

The global telecommunications industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the principles of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). This architectural shift aims to disaggregate hardware and software components of the RAN, promoting interoperability and fostering innovation through a multi-vendor ecosystem. The recent Open RAN deployment by AT&T and Ericsson is a pivotal moment in this journey, demonstrating the practical application of O-RAN specifications in a live network environment. The O-RAN alliance defines various interfaces and components, including the near-real-time RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) and the non-real-time RIC, which serve as platforms for X-apps and rApps, respectively.

Central to the O-RAN architecture is the O-RAN SMO, or Service Management and Orchestration. This framework provides the essential management, orchestration, and automation capabilities required for an Open RAN network. It encompasses the non-real-time RIC, which hosts rApps – applications that perform network optimization, automation, and management functions over longer timeframes (e.g., minutes to hours). The collaboration between AT&T and Ericsson on this project leverages the SMO to deploy and manage the advanced application. The specific AT&T Ericsson rApp in question focuses on energy savings for network slices, showcasing how operators can gain granular control over network resources.

While Ericsson developed the rApp, it was built upon an existing framework provided by Accelleran. This aspect underlines the potential for a third-party rApp ecosystem, where various vendors and developers can contribute applications that run on an operator’s Open RAN infrastructure, fostering greater diversity and competition than traditional monolithic network setups. This approach significantly enhances network programmability, allowing operators to rapidly introduce new services, optimize performance, and adapt to changing demands with unprecedented agility.

Implications & Analysis

The successful deployment of this rApp carries profound implications for the future of mobile networking. At its core, it validates the vision of network programmability, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical, live implementation. This capability allows operators to dynamically adjust network behaviors based on real-time conditions, user demands, or specific service level agreements, thereby unlocking new efficiencies and revenue streams. The particular AT&T Ericsson rApp for energy saving serves as a prime example of the tangible benefits such programmability can deliver, addressing critical operational costs and environmental concerns simultaneously. By optimizing energy consumption within specific network slices, operators can achieve significant savings while maintaining performance.

From a strategic perspective, this Open RAN deployment reinforces the viability and maturity of the O-RAN architecture. It demonstrates that key components, such as rApps and the underlying Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform, are ready for commercial application. This achievement can accelerate broader industry adoption of Open RAN principles, as it mitigates concerns regarding interoperability and functional performance in live networks. Moreover, it sets a precedent for other operators and vendors to pursue similar innovations, further decentralizing network intelligence and control.

The role of the O-RAN SMO as the orchestrating platform is critical. It provides the necessary tools and interfaces for operators to onboard, deploy, and manage these applications seamlessly. This robust orchestration layer ensures that rApps can interact with the network's underlying components effectively and securely. Furthermore, the fact that this was, in essence, a third-party rApp – leveraging an external framework – showcases the potential for an expansive ecosystem. This openness promises to foster rapid innovation, allowing niche developers and specialized companies to contribute advanced functionalities that might not be prioritized by traditional, large-scale vendors, ultimately benefiting operators with a richer palette of solutions.

Reactions & Statements

The announcement has been met with significant positive reactions from both AT&T and Ericsson, underscoring the strategic importance of this milestone. Executives from both companies highlighted the collaborative effort and the implications for the future of network management and efficiency. The successful activation of the AT&T Ericsson rApp on a live network is seen as a tangible demonstration of Open RAN’s capabilities.

'This milestone highlights our commitment to driving innovation and efficiency through network programmability,' stated Igal Elbaz, Senior Vice President of Technology and Network Services at AT&T, as reported by Mobile World Live. 'Deploying this third-party rApp on our live network marks a significant step towards realizing the full potential of Open RAN, giving us greater control and flexibility to optimize our network.'

Ericsson executives also emphasized the collaborative success and the broader implications for the telecom ecosystem. They underscored the practical demonstration of an Open RAN deployment in a real-world scenario, proving the architecture’s readiness for advanced applications.

'This is a major step forward in demonstrating the power of the O-RAN architecture,' said Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, also quoted by Mobile World Live. 'The successful deployment of this rApp, particularly its energy-saving capabilities, showcases how Open RAN can deliver tangible operational benefits. It also validates the role of the O-RAN SMO as the orchestrator for such advanced applications.'

The sentiment from both companies confirms a shared vision for accelerating network programmability and fostering a more dynamic and diverse vendor landscape. The inclusion of a third-party rApp, even if developed by one of the primary partners, signifies a move towards leveraging external innovation and capabilities, a core tenet of the Open RAN philosophy.

What Comes Next

The successful deployment by AT&T and Ericsson sets a significant precedent for the industry, paving the way for more sophisticated applications and broader adoption of Open RAN technologies. The immediate future will likely see further development and testing of various rApps designed to address a wider range of network challenges, from performance optimization and security to enhanced user experience and service monetization. Operators are expected to explore more use cases beyond energy saving, leveraging the newfound capabilities afforded by an open and programmable network infrastructure. This particular Open RAN deployment represents merely the beginning of a transformative journey.

The advancement of network programmability will be a key focus. This involves refining the interfaces, APIs, and data models to allow for seamless integration and control by rApps and other intelligent applications. The industry will likely move towards creating a marketplace for rApps, enabling operators to choose from a diverse portfolio of solutions from various developers. This could foster a vibrant ecosystem, similar to app stores for smartphones, but tailored for network functions. The capabilities demonstrated by the AT&T Ericsson rApp will undoubtedly inspire further exploration.

Furthermore, the continued evolution of the O-RAN SMO will be critical. As more rApps are developed and deployed, the SMO will need to become more robust, scalable, and secure, capable of orchestrating a complex array of applications across a multi-vendor network. Standardization efforts within the O-RAN Alliance will continue to play a vital role in ensuring interoperability and ease of integration for new applications. The concept of a true third-party rApp developed by an entirely independent entity and successfully deployed is the next frontier, pushing the boundaries of network openness even further.

Conclusion

The successful deployment of an energy-saving AT&T Ericsson rApp on a live 5G standalone network marks a seminal moment in the journey towards open and intelligent mobile networks. This collaboration has not only validated the architectural principles of Open RAN but has also demonstrated the tangible benefits of embedding intelligence and programmability directly into network operations. This specific Open RAN deployment moves beyond proof-of-concept to real-world application, showcasing how operators can gain greater control, efficiency, and flexibility.

The capacity for network programmability, enabled by rApps and a robust O-RAN SMO, promises to unlock unprecedented innovation in telecommunications. It fosters an environment where diverse applications, including those from a third-party rApp ecosystem, can seamlessly integrate and optimize network performance, leading to new service offerings and improved operational efficiency. As the industry continues to embrace these open architectures, the foundations laid by AT&T and Ericsson's pioneering work will undoubtedly accelerate the transition towards fully automated, intelligent, and highly adaptable network infrastructures globally.