The trial saw Nokia’s virtualised Distributed Unit (vDU) and virtualised Centralised Unit (vCU) on the HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen11 server using In-line acceleration.

Nokia says the completion of an end-to-end Cloud RAN L3 data call demonstrates the flexibility of its cloud RAN solution using in-line accelerator architecture.

The trial aims to deliver 5G experience for end users. It used Etisalat’s existing mid-band carrier in the n78 (3.5GHz) band over its 5G SA network.

“As part of our latest collaboration, Nokia’s Cloud RAN solution will enhance our 5G mobile broadband network by combining the power of cloud computing with the flexibility of radio access networks. It’s the first in the region and paves the way for enhanced connectivity and service delivery, ultimately providing end-users with a more robust and responsive 5G experience,” said Etisalat senior vice president of access network development Marwan Bin Shakar.

“We have been working with Nokia’s Open Innovation Lab in Dubai to demonstrate HPE ProLiant DL110 high-density Telco server supporting up to three Nokia RAN accelerator cards, all in a short depth 1U platform. By combining our strengths, we can offer a comprehensive and robust Cloud RAN solution that drives efficiency, performance, openness, and scale,” said HPE vice president and general manager telco infrastructure BU Fernando Castro Cristin.

“Our solution will empower Etisalat to meet diverse market demands swiftly, delivering a future-proof 5G network that will enable innovative services through dynamic network slicing and automation,” said Nokia head of RAN Mark Atkinson.