Nokia and du Deploy Cloud RAN Network in Strategic UAE Move

The telecommunications industry faces mounting pressure to transform network infrastructure as data demands increase and enterprises require more flexible connectivity solutions. Mobile operators worldwide are exploring cloud-based radio access networks (Cloud RAN) to reduce infrastructure costs and increase deployment flexibility. This architectural shift represents a fundamental change in how mobile networks are built and operated, moving away from proprietary hardware towards software-based solutions running on standardised computing platforms.

Against this backdrop, Finnish telecommunications equipment manufacturer Nokia has partnered with du, the United Arab Emirates telecommunications provider, to deploy a commercial Cloud RAN system in the Middle East and Africa region. The implementation marks the first regional deployment of this technology, signalling a shift in how telecommunications infrastructure is deployed in emerging markets.

The deployment in Abu Dhabi demonstrates the telecommunications industry's evolution towards virtualised network infrastructure, where traditional hardware-based components are replaced with software running on standard computing platforms. This transformation aligns with broader industry moves towards network virtualisation and cloud integration, as operators seek to reduce dependency on purpose-built hardware.

Nokia anyRAN Architecture Enables Network Flexibility

The implementation utilises Nokia's anyRAN architecture, which allows mobile networks to operate using both traditional purpose-built hardware and cloud-based infrastructure. This hybrid approach enables telecommunications providers to maintain existing network investments while transitioning to cloud-based systems.

The technical architecture includes Nokia’s virtualised Distributed Units and Centralised Units - software components that manage radio signal processing and network control functions. These operate alongside Nokia's AirScale Massive MIMO Radios, which handle multiple simultaneous user connections in the 3.6 GHz spectrum band using 5G Standalone architecture.

The system runs on Dell PowerEdge XR8620 servers and employs Red Hat OpenShift, a container platform developed by enterprise software company Red Hat. OpenShift enables telecommunications providers to manage cloud applications across their networks and modify network capacity based on demand.

Cloud infrastructure transforms Middle East telecommunications

The deployment represents a development in the UAE telecommunications sector, where providers are adapting their infrastructure to support emerging technologies. The cloud-based system enables du to operate a hybrid network environment, maintaining existing infrastructure while introducing virtualised components.

Nokia's commercial Cloud RAN solution addresses industry demands for network flexibility. The system maintains feature consistency between cloud-based and traditional infrastructure through Nokia's RAN software platform, enabling telecommunications providers to manage network evolution without service disruption.

The architecture supports the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, with potential applications in manufacturing, energy and logistics sectors. This capability positions telecommunications providers to support industrial digitalisation initiatives across multiple sectors.

Saleem Alblooshi, Chief Technology Officer of du, says: “Our collaboration with Nokia represents a major leap forward in du's mission to deliver exceptional network performance and innovative services. Leveraging 5G Cloud RAN will not only enhance our network's efficiency and flexibility but also enable us to explore new opportunities and services that can deliver genuine value to our customers and society at large.”

Network virtualisation drives infrastructure evolution

The deployment demonstrates the telecommunications industry's transition towards software-defined networking. Cloud RAN technology enables operators to reduce hardware dependencies and implement network changes through software updates, potentially reducing operational costs and deployment times.

Nokia's anyRAN approach provides telecommunications providers with options for network evolution, allowing them to maintain hybrid environments that combine purpose-built and cloud-native infrastructures. This flexibility enables operators to adapt their infrastructure investments to market demands.

The system's architecture supports the deployment of new services without requiring wholesale infrastructure changes. This capability enables telecommunications providers to introduce new technologies while protecting existing network investments.

Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, says: “This strategic partnership with du is much more than an infrastructure deployment. Both companies are committed to driving innovation by developing pioneering use cases that leverage the transformative power of AI and private wireless networks. Under our anyRAN approach, we bring together Nokia's expertise, trusted performance and innovation in radio networks with best-in-class partner solutions to offer true flexibility and scalability to operators and enterprises. This collaboration will enable the development of innovative services that empower businesses and individuals alike.”

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