VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service For Open RAN (VALOR) Supports Open Radio Unit (O-RU) Commercialization and Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) has launched the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR™), providing comprehensive testing for Open Radio Units (O-RUs). Supported by a $21.7 million grant from the NTIA's first PWSCIF Notice of Funding Opportunity, VALOR offers conformance, performance, security, and subsystem interoperability tests aligned with O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications. The service caters to radio manufacturers bidding for NTIA's NOFO 2, aimed at O-RU commercialization and innovation. VALOR includes advanced features like Massive MIMO and beamforming OTA validation and is free for academic institutions and NTIA co-grantees. Leveraging VIAVI's NITRO® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, TM500, and TeraVM test platforms, VALOR supports time-sensitive 5G and Open RAN projects. VIAVI's extensive experience in network testing and its leadership in O-RAN specifications development underpins the service, making it a critical tool for deploying equipment at scale.

Positive

• VALOR offers comprehensive conformance, performance, security, and interoperability tests based on O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications.
• A $21.7 million grant from NTIA supports VALOR, enhancing credibility and financial backing.
• Service is ideally suited for radio manufacturers bidding for NTIA's NOFO 2, focusing on O-RU commercialization.
• VALOR provides on-demand testing, including advanced Massive MIMO and beamforming OTA validation.
• Free access for academic institutions and NTIA co-grantees promotes inclusivity and innovation.
• Uses VIAVI's industry-leading NITRO® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, including TM500 and TeraVM platforms.
• Provides Test-as-a-Service (TaaS) to handle peaks in lab demand for short-term and time-sensitive projects.
• VIAVI's extensive experience in network testing and active role in O-RAN specifications development add industry trust.

Negative

• The reliance on a $21.7 million grant could imply dependency on external funding for VALOR's success.
• Free access subject to availability for academic institutions and NTIA co-grantees might limit overall usage.
• Potential competition from other testing services could impact market adoption and profitability.
• High reliance on partnerships for golden O-RAN compliant devices indicates potential dependency risks.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Viavi Solutions' announcement of the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) introduces a significant advancement for radio manufacturers and mobile network operators (MNOs). The $21.7 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) underscores the financial backing and trust the company has garnered for its innovative solutions. The VALOR service suite is designed in line with O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications, ensuring compatibility with industry standards, which is important for market acceptance.

A key aspect to notice is the potential increase in revenue streams for VIAVI. By offering a comprehensive, on-demand testing service, they can cater to a broad range of clients, including new entrants, startups and academic institutions. This service is positioned to become an essential part of the Open RAN ecosystem, potentially leading to increased subscription-based revenue from their Test-as-a-Service (TaaS) offering, especially for short-term and time-sensitive 5G projects.

However, investors should consider the competitive landscape. The telecom testing market is competitive and while VIAVI has a strong position, they need to continuously innovate to maintain their edge. The financial backing from the NTIA is a positive signal, but sustained growth will depend on the ability to attract and retain clients over the long term.

Overall, this development is likely to have a positive impact on VIAVI's financial performance and stock value, provided they execute efficiently and maintain their leadership in Open RAN specifications.

Tech Expert

The introduction of VIAVI’s VALOR platform is a notable advancement in the telecommunications testing landscape. Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) is an evolving market and having a robust, automated testing service like VALOR is important for O-RU vendors. The platform's ability to offer conformance, performance, security and interoperability testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the components being developed.

The emphasis on Massive MIMO and beamforming over-the-air (OTA) validation is particularly noteworthy. These are advanced technologies that can significantly enhance network performance but are challenging to implement correctly. VALOR’s capabilities in this regard can help manufacturers bring high-performance O-RUs to market more efficiently, potentially speeding up the adoption of Open RAN technologies.

Moreover, VIAVI’s integration with reputable partners and a comprehensive set of golden O-RAN compliant units ensures that the testing is thorough and in line with industry standards. This can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with bringing new products to market, providing a competitive edge to users of the VALOR platform.

In the context of the broader industry, initiatives like VALOR are crucial for the scalability and success of Open RAN, making it a valuable addition to the telecom ecosystem.

CHANDLER, Ariz., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI) (NASDAQ: VIAV) today announced that the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR™) has released O-RU conformance, performance, security and subsystem interoperability tests based on O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications. The services offered are ideally suited to the needs of radio manufacturers planning to bid for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF) Second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO 2), which focuses on Open Radio Unit (O-RU) Commercialization and Innovation.

For radio manufacturers, VALOR provides an on-demand test suite including O-RU conformance, performance, security and interoperability testing. In addition, leveraging a full set of golden O-RAN compliant O-RUs, O-DUs and O-CUs provided by several reputable partners and a large RF anechoic chamber, VALOR offers Massive MIMO and beamforming over-the-air (OTA) validation including system-level Massive MIMO performance testing for up to 16 parallel spatial layers.

VALOR, made possible by a $21.7 million grant from the first PWSCIF Notice of Funding Opportunity, provides fully automated, open and impartial testing and integration for Open RAN. VALOR provides a pathway to certification in the U.S. for new entrants, startups and academia. Access to VALOR is free for academic institutions and NTIA co-grantees, subject to availability. This allows O-RU vendors to level-up their testing and validation to the comprehensive performance requirements needed by mobile network operators (MNOs) to deploy their equipment at scale as required by NOFO 2.

VALOR is based on VIAVI's industry-leading NITRO^® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, including the TM500 and TeraVM test platforms. The TM500 O-RU Tester enhances legacy conformance test tools with its Direct Performance Test capabilities such as uplink and downlink data performance and capacity testing. VIAVI also offers Test-as-a-Service (TaaS) supporting short-term and time-sensitive 5G and Open RAN projects. Available to major NEMs and CSPs, the TaaS offering provides a complementary alternative to handle peaks in lab demand with customers' in-house testing approach.

For over 100 years, VIAVI Solutions has been directly involved in testing, assuring and securing the largest communications networks around the globe, and validating network products for all Tier-1 network equipment manufacturers. The company plays an active role in specifications development through leadership positions in O-RAN ALLIANCE and TIP. VIAVI has participated in every global Open RAN PlugFest, providing benchmarking and validation for five years across all countries.

"VIAVI is honored to have the NTIA's trust in awarding us the grant for VALOR, which will make Open RAN testing accessible, affordable, and sustainable for the entire ecosystem," said Dr. Sameh Yamany, Chief Technology Officer, VIAVI. "As leaders in Open RAN specifications development and wireless network testing for the largest network operators and equipment manufacturers, we look forward to partnering across the industry to realize the vision of Open Radio Commercialization and Innovation."

About VIAVI

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. Learn more about VIAVI at www.viavisolutions.com. Follow us on VIAVI Perspectives, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Media Inquiries:

North America Sonus PR Martin Smith viavi@sonuspr.com

Europe, Middle East & Africa Sonus PR Chevaan Seresinhe viavi@sonuspr.com

Asia Pacific Voila Communications Manish Sharma manish@voilacomm.in

 

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SOURCE VIAVI Solutions

FAQ

What is VALOR in the context of Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV)?

VALOR is the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN, providing comprehensive testing for Open Radio Units based on O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications.

How much funding did VALOR receive from the NTIA?

VALOR received a $21.7 million grant from the NTIA's first PWSCIF Notice of Funding Opportunity.

What are the key features of VALOR provided by Viavi Solutions (VIAV)?

VALOR offers conformance, performance, security, and subsystem interoperability tests, along with Massive MIMO and beamforming OTA validation.

Who can access VALOR for free?

Academic institutions and NTIA co-grantees can access VALOR for free, subject to availability.

What platforms does Viavi Solutions' VALOR use for testing?

VALOR leverages VIAVI's NITRO® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, including the TM500 and TeraVM test platforms.

What is the significance of VALOR for radio manufacturers?

VALOR helps radio manufacturers meet the comprehensive performance requirements needed by mobile network operators to deploy their equipment at scale.

What is the purpose of the NTIA's NOFO 2?

The NTIA's NOFO 2 focuses on the commercialization and innovation of Open Radio Units (O-RUs).

What is unique about Viavi Solutions' approach to Open RAN testing?

Viavi Solutions offers automated, open, and impartial testing and integration, leveraging extensive industry experience and leadership in O-RAN specifications development.