Xilinx, Mavenir partner to boost open 5G network capacity
Summary
In previous generations of networks, carriers purchased hardware and software as an integrated package from suppliers such as Nokia (NOKIA.HE), Ericcson (ERICb.ST) or Chinas Huawei Technologies Co Ltd (HWT.UL). But U.S. sanctions on Huawei have disrupted its business and sped up a move toward what are known as open radio access networks, where carriers can purchase hardware and software from a variety of different vendors such as Xilinx and Mavenir. But the newer open networks have not always matched all the features that traditional telecommunications equipment makers can provide, including the ability to pack multiple antennas into the radio unit at the top of a cellphone tower to boost the towers capacity. Xilinx and Mavenir said they plan to provide the needed chips and software for the open 5G networks to implement the technology. The two companies did not announce any customers for the new product, but said Vodafone Group (VOD.L) has named them to a short list of potential vendors.
