Collaborative work between TIM and JMA Wireless for future 5G RAN mobility innovation

26-February-2018

Application of RAN virtualization, made by TIM, in a live dense urban 4.5G network near the busy and crowded center of Bologna with new XRAN software technology from JMA Wireless.  This important industry milestone is the result of a very exciting journey of engineering collaboration between TIM and JMA Wireless in RAN transformation, specifically for multi-operator special coverage solutions.

Giovanni Ferigo, TIM’s CTO commented: “In TIM we are driving the industry to fully endorse NFV and RAN centralization as key elements to contribute to a substantial reduction in TCO. We are pleased to have actively participated in this major leap with JMA, that looks very promising for the evolution of current and future high-density areas in our networks”.

The live XRAN network, deployed on a multi-operator JMA Wireless TEKO DAS, is designed for transparent hand-off to surrounding 2G, 3G and 4G cells, validating that this cutting-edge software technology can be designed and deployed to deliver a natural migration into live networks. TIM is also implementing all the features already available on its commercial network

“This represents a significant milestone after many years of new software innovation for JMA,” said Remo Ricci, General Manager of the TEKO & XRAN business at JMA Wireless, “This first field application validates our vision which is aligned with the industries move towards RAN virtualization and provides the first proof of a live application of XRAN, we are honored to be able to work with the incredible team in TIM.”

XRAN was recently launched by JMA Wireless as a natural extension of its TEKO RF distribution platform (DAS).  The XRAN Adaptive Baseband platform, connected to TEKO DAS with digital fiber CPRI, is a key factor to enable RAN virtualization, using off-the-shelf server technology and unleashing an entirely new approach that will substantially change network architectures for DAS system and their economics, thanks to the reduction in footprint, power and cooling requirements. The availability of open interfaces, moreover, enables simplified integration with TIM radio access network automation framework. As a result, this combined solution defines a new segment of venue wireless systems for enterprise buildings, large venues such as stadiums, and highly densified areas of cities such as that in the TIM network site in Bologna.

During MWC 2018, JMA Wireless has also arranged a live demonstration of XRAN at its stand in Hall 5 at Stand 5D41.