📋 Tender Overview
Telstra and Ericsson announced the first commercial network deployment of Ericssons industry-leading packet fronthaul technology in Telstras network. The new solution delivers greater efficiency and flexibility helping prepare Telstras network for future Radio Access Network RAN virtualisationThe field deployment is the first of its kind utilising the new Ericsson Router 6673 fronthaul gateway. The Ericsson Router 6673 enables fronthaul radio to baseband interface packetization for all available Frequency Division Duplex FDD radios at a Telstra mobile site from the legacy Common Public Radio Interface CPRI standard to the newer Evolved CPRI eCPRI standard. This is achieved using unique Ericsson Silicon which integrates Ericsson RAN Compute baseband technology into a router for the first time. Replacing the CPRI link with eCPRI offers a more efficient and flexible way to connect the radio and the baseband using Ethernet.For Telstra this solution provides the ability to take advantage of future Cloud RAN packet switched connections needed to underpin technologies such as artificial intelligence AI machine learning ML and Internet of Things IoT while also enabling the full virtualisation of a network which is an important ingredient in the evolution of 5G technology.The Router 6673 was first deployed at three Telstra mobile sites in regional Victoria using ethernet transport to connect back to the nearest Telstra baseband aggregation site. The new technology was implemented successfully with real-time traffic patterns showing promising conversion gains. This included downlink peak fronthaul reducing from 30Gbps to 2Gbps 93 per cent and uplink peak fronthaul reducing from 30Gbps to 16Gbps 46 per cent.Iskra Nikolova Telstras Network and Infrastructure Executive says Telstras long collaboration with Ericsson has once again delivered a technological breakthrough that will reaffirm Telstra as the 5G leader in Australia. The ability to packetize existing FDD radio connections using the new fronthaul gateway technology will allow Telstra to leverage its significant investment in 5G radio infrastructure while getting the benefit of the rapid evolution of RAN Compute technology. Were proud to be partnering with Ericsson on the development of technology that will enhance the countrys connectivity.Emilio Romeo Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand says This world-first deployment represents a truly noteworthy step in the journey towards network virtualisation and centralisation while also paving the way for further development of new and emerging technologies such as AI and IoT that rely on fast agile and efficient networks. Im pleased that Ericsson is able to play such an essential role in the development of Australias connected future.
