As 5G networks continue to roll out across the globe, the demand for high-speed connectivity has continued to escalate. This surge in demand for agile, high-performance, and scalable networks has led to an increase in the deployment of virtual radio access networks (vRANs), which separate the hardware and software components of a mobile network. To enhance the performance of vRANs, Intel has introduced the Intel vRAN Boost solution. Another factor expected to drive the adoption of Intel vRAN Boost is an increase in complex applications beyond mobile broadband that require different 5G network behavior.

What is Intel vRAN Boost?

Intel vRAN Boost is a software-based solution that leverages Intel's field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology to accelerate the processing of network traffic in vRANs. It is designed to reduce latency, increase throughput, and improve the overall performance of vRANs. Intel vRAN Boost works by offloading specific tasks from the virtualized infrastructure and accelerating them on the FPGA, resulting in faster processing times. Intel vRAN Boost also eliminates the need for an external accelerator card. With Intel vRAN Boost, Intel says it can deliver twice the capacity gains over its previous-generation silicon within the same power envelope, with an additional 20% in power savings that result from the integrated acceleration

Who Was It designed for?

Designed for communications service providers (CoSP) that are building out their 5G networks using vRANs. If all processors in the data center incorporate these extensions, then the CoSP can scale its vRAN footprint up or down in the data center according to the subscriber traffic load. This approach eliminates the need to augment a subset of the data center’s servers with accelerator cards just to accommodate the processing needs of the vRAN workload, which will simplify data center maintenance and upgrade strategies. Overall, vRAN Boot can accelerate the virtualization of RAN for communications service providers to meet future requirements while improving RAN energy efficiency and reducing their total cost of ownership (TCO).

Benefits of Intel vRAN Boost

Reduced Latency

Latency, or the delay in data transmission, is a critical issue in mobile networks. It can affect the performance of real-time applications, such as video conferencing and online gaming. Intel vRAN Boost can address this issue by offloading specific tasks to the FPGA, the processing time is reduced, resulting in faster data transmission and lower latency.

Increased Throughput

With the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, network operators need to deliver higher throughput to their customers. Intel vRAN Boost can help achieve this by accelerating the processing of network traffic. By offloading specific tasks to the FPGA, the processing capacity of vRANs is increased, resulting in higher throughput and better network performance.

Improved Efficiency

Virtualized infrastructures are known for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, they can be less efficient than their hardware-based counterparts when it comes to processing certain types of data. Intel vRAN Boost can help address this issue by offloading specific tasks to the FPGA, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

Better User Experience

By reducing latency and increasing throughput, Intel vRAN Boost can deliver a better user experience for customers. Users can expect faster data speeds, smoother streaming, and improved connectivity. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, resulting in better business outcomes for network operators.

Conclusion

Intel vRAN Boost is a software-based solution that accelerates the processing of network traffic in vRANs, enabling 5G core networks to work harder and smarter at achieving a balance between critical business and customer requirements for power efficiency, performance, increased throughput, and reduced latency. Solutions like Intel vRAN Boost will play a critical role in ensuring that network operators can meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity.