Verizon deploys first-ever interoperable multi-vendor O-RAN DAS system

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon has achieved a significant milestone by deploying the first-ever O-RAN-based Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) with multi-vendor interoperability at The University of Texas Moody Center and Austin Convention Center. The systems integrate Samsung vDU with Commscope DAS using O-RAN interfaces, demonstrating successful vendor interoperability in a commercial setting. This deployment reduces costs related to power, space, and cooling by eliminating unnecessary RF equipment while improving reliability. Verizon has already deployed over 130,000 O-RAN capable radios in its network, showcasing its commitment to advancing O-RAN technology and fostering innovation in the RAN ecosystem.

Positive

• First commercial deployment of multi-vendor O-RAN DAS systems
• Cost reduction in power, space, and cooling through RF equipment elimination
• Improved system reliability
• Large-scale deployment of 130,000+ O-RAN capable radios

Negative

• None.

AUSTIN. Texas, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon, a global leader in driving virtualized and Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technologies, has deployed Open RAN (O-RAN) based Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) systems with multiple vendor interoperability at The University of Texas Moody Center and the Austin Convention Center. These are the first DAS systems commercially deployed in the Verizon network using O-RAN interfaces between the various components of the cellular Radio Access Network from different vendors.

Both systems use a Samsung vDU with an O-RAN interface to a Commscope DAS, illustrating how ORAN standards can bring together best-in-class products from the ecosystem to create a highly efficient solution and provide Verizon’s high-performing 5G Ultra Wideband service throughout the venues. Not only does this commercial deployment mark a major step towards larger-scale, multi-vendor deployments using O-RAN, but it materially impacts the cost of power, space and cooling by eliminating unnecessary RF equipment, and improves reliability resulting in a gold-standard customer experience for fans and visitors to these venues.

“The massive evolution of our network over the past few years including our move to a cloud-based architecture, widespread virtualization and our aggressive adoption of O-RAN standards and capabilities has enabled us to show O-RAN interoperability success in a commercial environment,” said Adam Koeppe, Senior Vice President of Technology Planning at Verizon.

O-RAN offers the promise of a wide range of benefits that should introduce new competition and innovation into the RAN ecosystem with the establishment of open and interoperable interfaces between different hardware and software components. The transition to Open RAN has the potential to bring many benefits in terms of deployment flexibility, faster innovation in an open environment, and greater service options by increasing the opportunity for new entrants to provide competitive and advanced solutions. More competition, more innovation, and increased supplier diversity will all be net benefits to operators and customers.

Verizon has been driving the adoption of O-RAN for years by being a leading voice in developing and adopting O-RAN standards and aggressively deploying more than 130,000 O-RAN capable radios in its network.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Schulz
864.561.1527
Karen.schulz@verizonwireless.com

FAQ

What is Verizon's (VZ) latest O-RAN deployment achievement?

Verizon deployed the first-ever O-RAN-based DAS systems with multi-vendor interoperability at The University of Texas Moody Center and Austin Convention Center.

How many O-RAN capable radios has Verizon (VZ) deployed in its network?

Verizon has deployed more than 130,000 O-RAN capable radios in its network.

Which vendors are involved in Verizon's (VZ) O-RAN DAS deployment?

The deployment uses Samsung vDU with an O-RAN interface to a Commscope DAS system.

What are the benefits of Verizon's (VZ) new O-RAN DAS deployment?

The deployment reduces costs of power, space, and cooling by eliminating unnecessary RF equipment, while improving reliability and customer experience.