Vodafone and Huawei conduct Cloud RAN trial
Telecommunications company, Vodafone, has successfully conducted a Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) trial at ANZ Stadium with technology partner, Huawei.
Cloud RAN is a technology that enables close coordination between base stations. This close coordination aims to minimise interference between base stations and enhance the quality of the 4G network.
The deployment of Cloud RAN is expected to improve the experience for Vodafone customers by reducing inter-cell interference in high traffic areas such as stadiums and CBDs.
As ANZ Stadium is Sydney’s largest outdoor stadium and holds dozen of events every year, including NRL matches, AFL matches, major soccer matches and concerts, Vodafone said it makes it an ideal venue for Cloud RAN architecture.
Vodafone head of RAN, Yago Lopez, said that the trial results validated the significant improvement brought by this technology.
“We managed to achieve 28 per cent higher data speeds at cell edge and 25 per cent overall cell average which are significant improvements. The results exceeded our expectations so naturally we are very happy with the trial and are excited to begin implementing this technology over the next 18 months,” he said.
After the success of the trial, both Vodafone and Huawei will consider rolling out this technology to more locations in order to benefit more customers.
Lopez added that Vodafone has invested billions of dollars in its network since 2012, and continues to invest heavily in extending and enhancing the network.
“Our actions and investments show we are committed to giving Vodafone customers the best possible network experience and this will continue into the future,” he said.
