Viavi Solutions (Viavi) has been selected to design and operate a new lab dedicated to advancing Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technologies in the Philippines. This initiative aims to lower barriers for new players and support workforce training in the Open RAN sector in Asia. The lab will be located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Viavi said on Wednesday.
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Collaboration for Development
The lab, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Project, will be established in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Diliman Electronics and Electrical Engineering Institute (EEEI) and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA).
Future-Proofing Telecom Infrastructure
Announced during President Marcos' visit to the White House in May 2023, the Open RAN Interoperability Laboratory is a flagship initiative established between US and the Philippines and will leverage Viavi's Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) model. The lab is designed to enhance the testing and evaluation of Open RAN networks, ensuring affordability and accessibility, the company said.
Key features of the lab include the integration of components from hardware and software vendors, including Fujitsu and SOLiD. The NITRO Wireless Open RAN Test Suite will facilitate end-to-end validation, utilising tools such as:
- TM500 Network Tester for emulating User Equipment (UE) and Radio Units (RU).
- OneAdvisor 800 Wireless for portable spectrum analysis.
- VIAVI Drive/Walk Test for real-world testing scenarios.
- VAMOS for orchestration, analysis, and reporting.
Also Read: Viavi Opens VALOR Testing Facility to Accelerate Open RAN Adoption
"Our globally proven NITRO Wireless test suite, automated by the VAMOS framework, integrates best-in-class products to provide a robust test environment. We appreciate the confidence from USAID, UP EEEI, and the Asia Open RAN Academy in Viavi and our partnership with technology leaders. We are excited to enable high quality interoperable telecom infrastructure and associated services in 5G, and progressively towards 6G," said Rajesh Rao, Vice President, Asia Pacific South, Viavi.
The VALOR is funded by the US NTIA Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.
