New test platform from VIAVI leverages AI and ML

Maintaining all of the features of RIC Test, the AI RSG enhances the simulated system-level RAN behaviour, creating a RAN digital twin that replicates real-world conditions in the lab.

The AI RSG joins a test and optimisation portfolio that is ideally suited to the needs of platform and application developers planning to bid for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF) Third Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO 3), which focuses on Software Solutions for Industry Verticals and Integration Automation.

The RIC utilises artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to autonomously manage radio resources with the aid of network data and native or third-party applications. Applications can be developed for specific industry verticals to tailor network functionality for more targeted use cases. The complexity of a multi-vendor open network is compounded by the presence of apps from different developers, making seamless performance a challenge.

AI RSG harnesses data obtained through Open RAN interfaces to train the RIC and r/xApps to generate quality-of-service improvements, industry-specific features and functionality, energy efficiencies and other advantages for network operators.

Additionally, it can simulate up to 10,000 user equipment (UEs) and several thousand cells (between 1,000 and 5,000) per reference server. It can be deployed in Docker containers within Cloud environments or on dedicated servers. The scale depends on the specific use case, with the ability to generate data at various granularities, from one minute to daily intervals. The scalability matrix helps to define parameters for a variety of different scenarios.

Users have access to the following capabilities:

• Import real-world maps with streets, buildings, and network configurations to create UE profiles that simulate movements, handovers, and resource requests
• Train AI and ML apps through exposure to RAN scenarios with real traffic
• Test the effectiveness of app decisions in realistic network environments.

“As the only test and optimisation vendor awarded PWSCIF funding through NOFO 1 and a partner of choice for NOFO 2, VIAVI is honoured to have the NTIA’s trust,” said Dr. Sameh Yamany, Chief Technology Officer, VIAVI. “For over 100 years, VIAVI has been directly involved in testing, assuring and securing the largest communications networks around the globe, and validating network products for all Tier-1 network equipment manufacturers. We are the prospective partner of choice to leverage network data and AI/ML to optimis network operations.”