LG Uplus and Nokia Successfully Verify Next-Generation Virtualized Base Station Technology "Cloud RAN"

Cloud RAN Verified in Commercial Network... Enables Efficient Network Operations
"We Will Lead the Way in Building Intelligent Networks for the 6G Era"

LG Uplus announced on December 22 that, in collaboration with Nokia, it has successfully verified the next-generation virtualized base station technology, 'Cloud RAN,' in a commercial network environment where customers use the network.

Cloud RAN is a technology that implements software functions, which were previously installed on dedicated hardware at each base station, on a virtualized central server in a cloud environment. It enables flexible and efficient network operations and is considered one of the core technologies for building next-generation communication networks.

LG Uplus announced on the 22nd that it has successfully verified the next-generation virtualized base station technology, 'Cloud RAN,' in a commercial network environment where customers use the network, in collaboration with Nokia. LG Uplus employees are conducting verification of the Cloud RAN technology. Provided by LG Uplus

For the technology verification, the two companies established a Cloud RAN field test network in Cheongdo County, North Gyeongsang Province, in September. They focused on testing and successfully verified several aspects in an environment where actual users were using 5G services: smooth handover between base stations when devices move, data transmission speeds for downloads and uploads, base station processing capacity, and power consumption efficiency.

Additionally, LG Uplus verified and identified improvements for operational convenience features associated with the introduction of Cloud RAN, such as automated equipment installation, remote work, and post-installation automated verification.

With the successful verification in a commercial network, LG Uplus has demonstrated that the virtualization and centralization of base station functions work in real-world environments. According to LG Uplus, this is significant because it lays the foundation for securing the network flexibility required for the future application of artificial intelligence (AI)-based radio access networks.

Furthermore, LG Uplus is also researching 'Open RAN' technology to strengthen its network competitiveness. Open RAN is a next-generation communication technology designed with open interfaces and interoperability, which reduces dependence on specific manufacturers and enhances the flexibility and efficiency of communication networks.

Previously, LG Uplus established a commercial Open RAN network on the campus of Kumoh National Institute of Technology and is conducting research to verify the completeness of Open RAN technology.

LG Uplus plans to focus on efforts to realize AI-RAN based on its technological capabilities in Cloud RAN and Open RAN. Lee Sangheon, Head of Advanced Network Development at LG Uplus, said, "The verification of Open RAN and Cloud RAN technologies is highly significant, as it goes beyond simple technology testing and establishes the core foundation for evolving into AI-based autonomous networks. LG Uplus will take the lead in building intelligent networks for the 6G era by pioneering next-generation communication technologies."