Nokia launches service enablement platform to drive Open RAN innovation

Nokia yesterday announced the launch of its Service Enablement Platform (SEP) to deliver radio network programmability, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) innovation across the Open RAN (O-RAN) ecosystem. Nokia SEP launches with Nokia’s RIC xApps including Advanced Traffic Steering and Anomaly Detection that are currently in proofs-of-concepts and trials with major communication service providers (CSP).

Nokia SEP will the first platform combining near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) and Multi-access edge computing (MEC) together on a single platform providing unique value and new innovative use cases. The platform leverages low-latency information to boost optimization through closed-loop automation and faster, more flexible service deployments. Nokia SEP also adds programmability with AI/ML technologies, enabling innovative RAN use cases, including Automated AI/ML-based network optimization xApps and enterprise-specific RAN adaptation. The single platform deploys both RIC and MEC capabilities for intelligence and innovation that can be adapted for specific CSP or enterprise requirements.

SEP can run on the edge and share infrastructure with Cloud RAN and other virtualized network functions. AirFrame Open Edge provides secured and high-performance ultra-small footprint edge cloud infrastructure for indoor and outdoor environments. The platform launches with Nokia RIC xApps giving CSPs advanced control of the 5G radio network use cases including the Nokia Advanced Traffic Steering xApp, an AI/ML-based optimization algorithm that dynamically improves the efficiency of traffic distribution in the radio access network. SEP will also include the Nokia Anomaly Detection xApp that uses machine learning to quickly detect and classify irregular behavior patterns in the RAN. SEP will support xApps from different providers.

Nokia performed the first RIC trials in commercial networks and is actively engaging with major CSP and research groups globally with proof of concepts, trials, and development for O-RAN and RIC, including public trials with AT&T and China Mobile. Nokia SEP platform will be available to CSPs starting from Q1 2021 with Nokia already working closely with CSPs to commercialized use cases (xApps) during 2021.