Verizon and Ericsson expand AI-native RAN automation work

A long-running collaboration between Verizon and Ericsson has moved into a phase centered on integrating AI into radio access network automation for autonomous networks. The latest stages include a nationwide rollout of the Ericsson Intelligent Controller, which supports AI-native rApps from both companies.

Field deployment of fully autonomous, 24/7 closed-loop optimization rApps, such as the Advanced Antenna System (AAS) Cell Shaper, produced gains of up to 8.9% on downlink data radio bearer throughput and up to 8% on uplink UE throughput.

In a live setting, Verizon successfully implemented a Connected Mode Inter-Radio Access Technology Handover method that moves Fixed Wireless Access devices from LTE to Standalone (SA) 5G, removing the need for manual intervention on handover failures. The deployment also showed an open, programmable network environment in which Verizon used the Ericsson Intelligent Controller as an open standards-based platform to deploy self-designed rApps.

The Ericsson Intelligent Controller is part of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform, an open network management and automation platform for open, multi-vendor and multi-technology networks that supports all 4G and 5G radio access networks and Ericsson core networks. The platform's rApp ecosystem includes more than 100 available rApps from over 100 members and covers the full lifecycle of network automation.

“Our expanded collaboration with Ericsson brings AI-native RAN automation that elevates performance across mobility and Fixed Wireless Access,” said Matt Butz, Vice President Network Planning, Verizon. “Using the Ericsson Intelligent Controller, and Ericsson rApps, in a live environment, we demonstrated AI cell shaping of Massive MIMO and traffic steering with significant gains in throughput and efficiency.”

Verizon plans to roll out the controller nationally this year and to test and deploy self-designed and Ericsson rApps, including the Cell Anomaly Detector rApp, Root Cause Explainer rApp and Anomaly General Optimizer rApp, to accelerate its network autonomy journey towards L4.