Everything you need to know about Open RAN; Nokia launches its new SEP

Finland telecom gear maker Nokia has today announced the launch of its Service Enablement Platform (SEP), the first commercial solution to deliver radio network programmability, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) innovation across the Open RAN (O-RAN) ecosystem. Nokia SEP launches with Nokia’s RIC xApps, including Advanced Traffic Steering and Anomaly Detection, which are currently in proofs-of-concepts and trials with major communication service providers (CSP) globally.

Nokia states it already working closely with CSPs to commercialize use cases (xApps) during 2021.Speaking of Nokia SEP, it combines near-real-time RIC and MEC together on a single platform to afford new use cases. It also adds programmability with AI/ML technologies, enabling innovative RAN use cases, including Automated AI/ML based network optimization xApps and enterprise-specific RAN adaptation.

SEP can also utilise Nokia’s Airframe servers to run on the edge and share infrastructure with Cloud RAN and virtualised network functions while the RIC xApps is a suite of plugins that provides advanced control to CSPs over 5G radio network use cases.Pasi Toivanen, Head of Edge Cloud BU at Nokia states, “Nokia’s Service Enablement Platform adds a new intelligence layer to the RAN and enables the creation of high-value add use cases. This is part of Nokia’s continued commitment to leading an open mobile future with a strong network performance and security. We are committed to making it easier for our CSP customers to actively support the adoption of Open RAN principles and standards.”Daryl Schoolar, practice leader for Service Provider Networks at Omdia states, “Nokia’s latest announcement about implementing the O-RAN standardized near real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) function together with MEC on its Service Enablement Platform product which supports xApps from multiple sources, including third-party, reinforces Nokia´s firm commitment to O-RAN and Open RAN solutions.”