Ericsson announced an expansion of its partnership with Google (News - Alert) Cloud focused on the development of an Ericsson Cloud RAN solution integrated with Google Distributed Cloud (GDC). This offers advanced automation, orchestration, and leverages AI/ML for Communication Service Providers (CSPs).

Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) is a suite of managed hardware and software solutions that extends Google Cloud's capabilities to the edge and data centers. Together, the Ericsson (News - Alert) and Google Cloud teams have demonstrated successful implementation of Ericsson's vDU and vCU on GDC Edge. It is currently operational at Ericsson's Open Lab in Ottawa, Canada, with plans for further market development.

This latest collaboration enables the creation of a highly automated and extensive distributed cloud infrastructure for radio access networks. Benefits include efficiency, reliability, high performance, and security software-centric RAN.

By managing on-premises GDC Edge via public cloud-based functions, it is possible to have a dedicated and secure connection while addressing CSP (News - Alert) customer privacy requirements.

Running Ericsson Cloud RAN on GDC Edge also empowers CSPs to tap into Google Cloud's resources like Vertex (News - Alert) AI and BigQuery, which opens up various opportunities for CSPs to efficiently control, inspect, configure, and optimize their RAN infrastructure.

“Ericsson remains committed to ensuring the adaptability of its Cloud RAN applications on diverse cloud infrastructures, offering operators enhanced flexibility and choice in deploying Cloud RAN as well as supporting the evolving hybrid cloud architectures together with Google Cloud,”  said Mårten Lerner, Head of Product Line Cloud RAN, Ericsson.

Ericsson's Cloud RAN is a flexible solution that works with any infrastructure chosen by a CSP. Now, to make network operations even more automated and cloud-friendly, Ericsson and Google Cloud also teamed up on an open-source project called Nephio, which is all about using automation to manage complex 5G networks.

Gabriele Di Piazza, Senior Director, Telecom Products, Google Cloud also commented on the partnership saying, "We're proud to enable Ericsson Cloud RAN to run on Google Distributed Cloud Edge infrastructure, which includes access to our AI/ML capabilities as well as cloud-native automations. We're delighted to recognize Ericsson as a distinguished Google Cloud Partner and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers."