Spanning the 5G Spectrum

5G innovation at the cloud, edge, and device level

Cloudified Networks

DISH, among others, is pioneering the concept of leveraging the existing computing backbone of cloud providers. Building on AWS Outposts and Local Zones along with software developed through the O-RAN alliance, DISH will provide services to consumers as well as demanding commercial environments.

Computing workloads for the network will be served by AWS Graviton2 processors based on Arm Neoverse. DISH will also take advantage AWS Nitro, a data processing solution based around Arm Neoverse for handling network, security, and storage tasks.

How Cloudy Will Wireless Get?

100% Cloudificaiton reduces capital while increasing flexibility.
60% Not everyone lives in a metro.
30% QoS and regulatory compliance mean dedicated infrastructure.

5G Runs Better on Arm

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's largest service provider, and NEC Corporation announced the completion of a trial to test energy efficiency and high performance of Arm Neoverse powered AWS Graviton2 processors across key elements of the 5G core network (5GC).

The trial demonstrated an average of a 72% reduction in power consumption against incumbent x86 processors using NEC's 5GC software running on AWS Graviton2.

The trial tested performance within a 5GC hybrid cloud environment leveraging AWS Graviton2 and NTT DOCOMO's on-premises Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) infrastructure.

These results support the future realization of a hybrid cloud environment for telecommunication networks, which enables mobile operators to provide enhanced disaster-resilient networks to customers.

NTT DOCOMO's proof-of-concept on 5G workload migration to cloud using Arm Neoverse-powered AWS Graviton processors.

Private Networks

An early pioneer in IoT with over $640 million in annual revenue, Sunsea AIoT last year released the Feixin 5G Cloud Small Cell, an O-RAN compatible device for spinning up high-speed, high-bandwidth local clouds.

A critical element of the design is flexibility. An engineer could stream production data while a compliance officer monitors air quality with the same system.

Similarly, Lenovo uses Arm-based processors for its FutureCore 5G core network server and has been collaborating with carriers to test FutureCore in manufacturing facilities and commercial buildings. (see right). Lenovo has also adopted Arm technology for its CUs, DUs, and FPGA accelerator cards for its public networks.

China Mobile has adopted Arm technology for software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) for enterprises.

AI on 5G For Enterprise Networks

Powerful CPUs supplemented by GPUs, DPUs, and open source software are allowing server designers to consolidate the necessary elements of a 5G RAN into a single chassis for more rapidly and economically deploying 5G inside corporate networks.

The elevated performance also makes it feasible to perform AI-heavy Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) functions without the need for separate RAN acceleration cards.

The diagram to the right shows a proof-of-concept shown by Gigabyte at Mobile World Congress combines technology Ampere Computing, NVIDIA, Radisys, and Keysight RuSIM.

Arm Neoverse-based platforms provide a 40% or more boost in price performance, customers report.

Emerging Markets

Approximately 2.9 billion people still do not have online access due to costs, unstable power grids, difficult terrain, and other factors.

5G networks built on distributed gateways can scale more rapidly than traditional ones, improve resilience, lower costs, and accommodate more use cases.

Project Magma is testing equipment built with Neoverse-based processors and open source software with carriers in Peru and elsewhere.

High-Speed Mesh for High-Speed Transportation

Blu Wireless specializes in millimeter-wave (57-71 GHz) equipment for some of the most challenging use cases in wireless. The company is collaborating with the City of Liverpool, for instance, on a smart city project that will allow residents and visitors to easily hop on and off a municipal high-speed network.

It is also working with First Group in the UK to provide 5G backbone service to commuters on Southwest Rail.

Running on Arm-based processors from Marvell and based on OpenRAN, Blu Wireless' 5G technology can deliver service at 3 Gbps and process data 100x faster than 4G, while passengers travel at up to 160 mph over changing terrain. A trial is underway in Cergy, France.