Ericsson RAN Compute processors

The latest generation of processors in the Ericsson RAN Compute portfolio have been designed to help communications service providers (CSPs) get the most out of current and future radio access technology evolutions. The portfolio includes processors with high- and standard-capacity variants, and with both enclosure and outdoor formats, to cater to varying site needs. The products are also hardware prepared for Open RAN deployments.

Built for the network demands of 5G Advanced and enhanced artificial AI algorithms, the processors are powered by Ericsson Silicon, the company’s system-on-a-chip, which is built on a custom-made, flexible and modular architecture. This is what enables the existing RAN Compute portfolio to consume 30–60% less power compared to industry benchmarks, the company says.

The company’s two high-capacity processors, RAN Processor 6672 and Radio Processor 6372, offer four times the capacity compared to the previous generation and can support up to six 4G and 5G modes in a single unit; advanced 5G markets typically utilise three to four modes in basebands at present. The additional modes will allow CSPs to run more technologies simultaneously on one RAN Compute board, including 5G time division duplex (TDD) Massive MIMO, 4G and 5G frequency division duplex (FDD) and more, with modes to spare for future needs.

The two standard-capacity options are the RAN Processor 6655 and Radio Processor 6355, both of which offer higher capacity and energy efficiency than their predecessors.