Keysight Technologies has secured two Open Networks Ecosystem competition grants from the U.K. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to develop an open radio access network intelligent controller.
According to Mosaab Abughalib, senior director and general manager for Keysight’s Network Emulation Group, the project will use artificial intelligence and network security algorithms to design new solutions that unlock interoperability barriers.
Keysight said DSIT will fund the development of a secure and scalable RAN intelligent controller to enhance Open RAN network performances under the HiPer-RAN Program. For the effort, the company will work with the University of Surrey, Virgin Media O2, British Telecom and other industry partners.
The U.K. government will also support the deployment of an end-to-end Open RAN network under the 5G RuralDorset Program, which Keysight will execute in partnership with 5G RuralDorset, Vodafone, Arm and other participants.
The projects intend to deliver RIC network components and address network energy savings and security.
Both undertakings will use the Keysight Open RAN Architect solution to test and optimize RIC and associated applications. KORA accelerates the development, integration and deployment of Open RAN-compliant equipment, according to Keysight.
DSIT launched the $99 million ONE competition in March to mature Open RAN architectures and diversify the supply chain for the United Kingdom’s wireless networks.