{"id":46682,"date":"2021-07-27T09:30:50","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T13:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=46682"},"modified":"2021-11-03T09:25:32","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T13:25:32","slug":"verizon-and-samsung-complete-fully-virtualized-5g-data-session-on-c-band-spectrum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/verizon-and-samsung-complete-fully-virtualized-5g-data-session-c-band-spectrum\/","title":{"rendered":"Verizon and Samsung complete fully virtualized 5G data session on C-band spectrum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trial used cloud-native end-to-end virtualization and Massive MIMO technology to optimize 5G <\/em><\/strong>performance on C-band spectrum<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Verizon and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. recently completed an end-to-end fully virtualized 5G data session over C-band spectrum in a live network environment. The new milestone was reached in preparation for its upcoming 5G Ultra Wideband expansion using its newly acquired C Band spectrum.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have been driving the industry to large scale virtualization using the advanced architecture we have built into our network from the core to the far edge.\u00a0 This recent accomplishment paves the way for a more programmable, efficient, and scalable 5G network,\u201d said Adam Koeppe, Senior Vice President of Technology Planning at Verizon.<\/strong> \u201cCustomers deserve more than mere access to 5G. They deserve 5G built with the highest, gold-standard engineering practices that have positioned Verizon as the most reliable industry leader for years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why Virtualization is important for 5G performance optimization<\/strong><\/p>\n

The trials, conducted over Verizon\u2019s network (using C-band Special Temporary Authority granted to Verizon by the FCC) in Texas, Connecticut and Massachusetts, used Samsung\u2019s fully virtualized RAN (vRAN) solution built on its own software stack and C-band 64T64R Massive MIMO radio in coordination with Verizon\u2019s virtualized core. The trials achieved speeds commensurate with traditional hardware-based equipment.<\/p>\n

Virtualization is critical to delivering the services promised by advanced 5G networks. Key 5G use cases such as massive scale IOT solutions, more robust consumer devices and solutions, AR\/VR, remote healthcare, autonomous robotics in manufacturing environments, and ubiquitous smart city solutions, will heavily rely on the programmability of virtualized networks.<\/p>\n

Cloud native virtualized architecture leads to greater flexibility, faster delivery of services, greater scalability, and improved cost efficiency in networks, paving the way for wide-scale mobile edge computing and network slicing. This technology enables Verizon to rapidly respond to customers\u2019 varied latency and computing needs. Virtualization will also lower the barrier to entry for new vendors in the ecosystem. New entrants will accelerate innovation, reduce operating costs, and lay the groundwork for flexible network and cloud infrastructure closer to the customer, eventually leading to single digit millisecond latency.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re proud to mark another milestone following our first large-scale commercial 5G vRAN deployment for Verizon, which is currently servicing millions of users. This trial reinforces our commitment to helping operators evolve their advanced 5G networks,\u201d said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.<\/strong> \u201cThis achievement represents our dedicated efforts in leading the transition to virtualization, and helping Verizon realize greater efficiency, scalability and flexibility. vRAN is a powerful enabler for network transformation, and we aim to continue leading this journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why Massive MIMO is important for 5G performance optimization<\/strong><\/p>\n

Massive MIMO is an evolution in antenna arrays that uses a high number of transmitters which enables more possible signal paths between a device and a cell tower.\u00a0 It also reduces interference through beamforming, which directs the beam from the cell site directly to where the customer is resulting in higher and more consistent speeds for customers using apps and uploading and downloading files.\u00a0 This trial used Samsung\u2019s C-band 64T64R Massive MIMO radios that support digital\/dynamic beamforming, SU-MIMO, MU-MIMO and dual connectivity and carrier aggregation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncorporating full, cloud-native virtualization, Massive MIMO and beamforming into our network design and deployment will result in so much more than our customers merely seeing a 5G icon on their devices.\u00a0 This is 5G service optimized for peak performance,\u201d said Koeppe.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s milestone follows Samsung\u2019s recent announcement on expanding its vRAN capability to support mid-band Massive MIMO radios<\/a>\u2014a first for the industry. Samsung\u2019s C-band Massive MIMO radio is part of a complete C-band solutions portfolio<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verizon on track to deliver 5G over C-band<\/strong><\/p>\n

This virtualization work comes on the heels of other work to speed the expansion of 5G Ultra Wideband service using C-band spectrum including:<\/p>\n