The Top 5 Virtual RAN Vendors

The Top 5 virtual RAN vendors - based on analysis of ongoing deployments & trials | Reads 5G Magazine, June Edition focussed on Open RAN

Introduction for THE TOP 5 VIRTUAL RAN VENDORS

In the dynamic landscape of modern telecommunications, the emergence of virtual RAN (vRAN) technologies marks a significant evolution in network infrastructure. Based on publicly announced ongoing and planned Open RAN deployments & trials as of May 2021, a distinguished group of vendors has come to the forefront, heralding this shift with their innovative solutions. These top 5 virtual RAN vendors have been instrumental in driving the transition from traditional hardware-centric networks to more flexible, software-defined architectures. Their offerings not only demonstrate technical prowess but also align with the growing demand for scalable, efficient, and cost-effective network solutions. By leading the charge in the vRAN space, these vendors play a crucial role in shaping the future of wireless connectivity, paving the way for more adaptive and intelligent network ecosystems.

Parallel Wireless


Parallel Wireless is renowned in the virtual RAN market for its ground-breaking solutions that redefine how wireless networks are built and operated. As one of the top 5 virtual RAN vendors, their approach to vRAN emphasizes adaptability and scalability, catering to a wide range of network environments from rural to densely populated urban areas. Parallel Wirelessโ€™s solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing network infrastructures, facilitating a smooth transition to virtualized networks. Their notable market presence is bolstered by strategic partnerships with global telecom operators, underlining their ability to deliver efficient and cost-effective vRAN solutions. Their commitment to innovation in Open RAN deployments positions them as a key player in the evolution of virtual RAN technologies.

Mavenir

Mavenir stands at the forefront of the virtual RAN landscape, offering comprehensive and advanced vRAN solutions. Recognized as one of the top 5 virtual RAN vendors, Mavenir’s portfolio includes a range of software-centric network elements that are crucial for modernizing telecom networks. Their focus on open interfaces and cloud-native solutions aligns with the evolving needs of operators seeking flexibility and efficiency. Mavenirโ€™s solutions are well-received in the market, demonstrated by their expanding global footprint and collaboration with numerous service providers. Their active role in shaping the Open RAN ecosystem through innovative virtual RAN deployments showcases their dedication to transforming mobile network operations.

Altiostar

Altiostar is making significant inroads in the virtual RAN sector with its innovative, software-driven solutions. As a key player among the top 5 virtual RAN vendors, Altiostar provides a flexible and scalable platform that enables mobile network operators to efficiently upgrade and expand their networks. Their approach to vRAN focuses on interoperability and high performance, facilitating the transition to more open and multi-vendor network environments. Altiostar’s notable collaborations with industry leaders and active involvement in various global Open RAN projects underscore their commitment to advancing vRAN technology and shaping the future of mobile networks.

Samsung

Samsung, a global tech giant, has also established a strong presence in the virtual RAN market. Their innovative vRAN solutions offer a blend of performance, scalability, and reliability, making them a top choice for network operators. Samsung’s virtual RAN products are designed to meet the diverse demands of modern network infrastructures, ranging from small-scale deployments to large, complex networks. Their strategic partnerships with other industry players and ongoing involvement in numerous vRAN projects demonstrate their commitment to advancing this technology and maintaining their position as a leader in the virtual RAN space.

Radisys

Radisys is recognized for its contributions to the virtual RAN ecosystem as a leading vendor. Specializing in open telecom solutions, Radisys offers vRAN products that enhance network flexibility and scalability. Their solutions are tailored to support the dynamic requirements of Open RAN architectures, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. Radisysโ€™s commitment to innovation and collaboration in the virtual RAN domain is evident in their partnerships with other industry leaders and their active participation in global Open RAN initiatives. Their focus on delivering advanced vRAN solutions positions them as a key enabler in the transition towards more agile and efficient mobile networks.

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Award Category: Excellence in Private 5G/LTE Networks

Winner: Nokia


Nokia has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private 5G/LTE Networks” for its transformative solutions that drive industrial digital transformation. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and Modular Private Wireless (MPW), Nokia delivers secure, scalable, and high-performance connectivity tailored for Industry 4.0 applications. By addressing complex operational challenges through reliable, low-latency connectivity, AI-driven automation, and robust data security, Nokia empowers enterprises to optimize efficiency, enhance automation, and foster sustainability. With deployments across over 795+ enterprise customers and 1,500 mission-critical networks, Nokiaโ€™s innovative private wireless solutions are setting new standards for connectivity, operational excellence, and industrial growth worldwide.

Award Category: Excellence in Neutral Host Networks

Winner: Celona

Partners: Del Conca and T-Mobile


Celonaโ€™s innovative 5G LAN and Neutral Host solutions have been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Neutral Host Networks” for transforming connectivity and operational efficiency at Del Conca USA, a leading manufacturer of fine Italian porcelain tiles. By addressing the limitations of legacy Wi-Fi systems, Celona deployed a robust, scalable private wireless network that significantly enhanced coverage, mobility, and operational resilience across Del Concaโ€™s 30-acre facility. Leveraging the Citizenโ€™s Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, Celonaโ€™s solution delivered reliable, interference-resistant connectivity, optimizing real-time data communication for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and forklifts, thereby minimizing production delays and improving material handling efficiency. Additionally, Celonaโ€™s Neutral Host capabilities seamlessly integrated public cellular networks through a partnership with T-Mobile, providing uninterrupted indoor and outdoor connectivity for employees. This deployment not only showcased the transformative impact of Celonaโ€™s private 5G and Neutral Host solutions on manufacturing automation but also set a new benchmark for scalable, secure, and collaborative network integration across industrial environments.

Award Category: Excellence in Private Network Startups

Winner: GXC


GXCโ€™s ONYX Platform, powered by Cellular Mesh technology, delivers scalable, seamless, and secure communication across industries. Recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private Network Startups,” GXC’s proprietary Cellular Mesh technology and its ONYX Platform have established it as a frontrunner in delivering reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions tailored to meet the complex needs of enterprises.

Award Category: Excellence in Private Network Security

Winner: OneLayer


OneLayerโ€™s innovative Zero Trust and Zero-Touch automation solutions provide unmatched security, visibility, and scalability for private LTE/5G networks. This approach has earned OneLayer the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private Network Security,” recognizing their contributions to safeguarding private networks. By implementing robust security frameworks and automated device management, OneLayer empowers industries to efficiently manage and protect complex private cellular networks, enhancing network integrity and resilience through unmatched visibility, automated onboarding, and scalable security measures.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Generative AI Integration

Winner: Southern California Edison (SCE) & NVIDIA


Southern California Edison (SCE), in collaboration with NVIDIA, has been honored with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private Network AI and Generative AI Integration” for their transformative work in modernizing network operations through advanced AI and predictive analytics. Their initiative, Project Orca, exemplifies the power of AI-driven innovation, enhancing predictive capabilities, operational efficiency, and the reliability of critical infrastructure. This collaboration highlights how SCE and NVIDIAโ€™s AI solutions redefine network operations, elevating performance and setting new standards for AI integration in private networks.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in System Integration

Winner: L&T Technology Services (LTTS)

Partner: Ericsson, Athonet (HPE), Indian Mobile Operator


L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has been recognized with the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in System Integration” for its advanced Private 5G integration solutions. This award highlights LTTS’s critical role in transforming industrial connectivity by enhancing operational technology (OT) and IT network reliability, boosting safety, and driving seamless automation across large-scale industrial environments. LTTSโ€™s approach ensures optimal OT/IT convergence, increasing connectivity and operational efficiency and redefining standards for automation and network performance in the industrial sector.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Network Assurance

Winner: Anritsu

Partner: SmartViser, Major European Airline


Anritsu has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Network Assurance” for its outstanding achievements in ensuring private 5G/LTE network performance and reliability. This award highlights Anritsuโ€™s comprehensive approach to network monitoring, business-centric KPIs, and performance analytics within mission-critical environments such as international airports. By leveraging advanced real-time monitoring, automated testing technologies, and collaborative solutions with SmartViser, Anritsu has set a new benchmark for maintaining optimal network efficiency, user satisfaction, and high-performance connectivity in complex private network scenarios.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Sustainability

Winner: Nokia


Nokiaโ€™s innovative Private Wireless Sustainability Calculator has been recognized with the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Sustainability” award for its transformative impact on industrial, environmental and social sustainability. This first-of-its-kind tool enables industries to measure, optimize, and monetize their environmental and social impact as they transition from traditional Wi-Fi-only setups to advanced Industry 4.0 use cases powered by high-performance private wireless networks and mission-critical industrial edge solutions. By providing actionable insights to reduce energy consumption, optimize resource usage, and accelerate progress toward net-zero goals, Nokia’s solution exemplifies leadership in sustainable and energy-efficient private 5G/LTE network deployments, driving meaningful progress in industrial digital transformation and sustainability.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Innovation

Winner: Fiducia Sports AI


Fiducia Sports AI has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Innovation” for transforming fan engagement in the sports and entertainment industry. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and the power of public and private 5G networks, Fiducia’s innovative platform delivers real-time player stats, immersive AR experiences, and interactive content. This seamless and personalized connection enhances fan interaction with sports events across diverse platforms, redefining the fan experience and transforming how audiences engage with sports content, regardless of their location.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Manufacturing

Winner: Ericsson


Ericsson has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Manufacturing” for its transformative work at the USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, and global deployments such as the Smart Factory Innovation Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, Atlas Copco Tools, and Toyota Material Handlingโ€™s facility in Columbus, Indiana. By integrating private 5G connectivity with advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, Ericsson has set new benchmarks for optimizing manufacturing processes, enhancing supply chain resilience, and elevating operational efficiency. This award underscores Ericssonโ€™s leadership in leveraging private 5G to drive innovation in areas such as remote inspections, predictive maintenance, and sustainable production, redefining modern manufacturing standards through secure and scalable connectivity solutions.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Sports and Events Venue

Winner: NTT DATA

Partner: Cisco


NTT DATA, in partnership with Cisco, has transformed RAI Amsterdam into a smart, connected venue with the deployment of a private 5G network, earning the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Sports and Events Venue” award. This smart venue innovation project optimizes visitor engagement, enhances operational efficiency, and supports RAI Amsterdamโ€™s sustainability goals.
As a result, RAI Amsterdam has set a new benchmark for connected venues across Europe, delivering enriched visitor experiences, real-time analytics, and comprehensive event management capabilities.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Warehouse and Logistics

Winner: GXC


GXCโ€™s deployment of its innovative Onyx LTE private cellular network at a large-scale poultry processing facility has earned the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Warehouse and Logistics.” This transformative project revolutionized connectivity and operational efficiency across the 50-acre facility, addressing critical challenges faced by the food processing industry. By enhancing data communication, inventory management, regulatory compliance, and operational processes, GXC demonstrated the powerful potential of private cellular technology to improve automation, tracking, and supply chain efficiency. The award-winning solution underscores how private networks can redefine warehouse and logistics management in the food processing sector and beyond.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Mining

Winner: Ericsson


Ericsson has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Mining” for its innovative application of private 5G technology to transform mining operations. This accolade highlights Ericssonโ€™s leadership in modernizing the mining sector through high-speed, secure, and low-latency connectivity that drives safety, operational efficiency, and automation. By delivering private 5G solutions, Ericsson is redefining the mining landscape, enabling digitalization, enhancing remote operation capabilities, and promoting sustainable practices in one of the worldโ€™s most challenging industrial environments.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Airports

Winner: Ericsson

Partner: Purdue University & Saab


Ericsson, in collaboration with Purdue University and Saab, has been honored with the 2024 TeckNexus Award for “Private Network Excellence in Airports” for deploying a private 5G network at Purdue University Airport, transforming it into a โ€œliving laboratoryโ€ for aviation innovation. This initiative sets a new standard for airport operations by enhancing connectivity, enabling real-time data communication, and supporting advanced aviation applications such as autonomous systems, flight operations management, drone detection, and electric aircraft charging. By optimizing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the private 5G network addresses complex challenges in the aviation industry. This deployment underscores Ericssonโ€™s leadership in leveraging private 5G technology to modernize airport environments, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable air travel solutions globally.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Education

Winner: InfiniG

Partner: Parkside Elementary School, Intel, AT&T, and T-Mobile


InfiniGโ€™s Mobile Coverage-as-a-Service (MCaaS) solution has earned the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Education” award for its transformative impact on student safety and connectivity at Parkside Elementary in Murray, Utah. This innovative deployment, completed in partnership with Intel, AT&T, and T-Mobile, provided comprehensive in-building mobile coverage to address critical safety and communication challenges for students, teachers, staff, and parents. By enhancing secure and connected educational environments, InfiniGโ€™s solution exemplifies the potential of private networks to improve campus security and foster more connected learning experiences.

Award Category: Public/Private Network Excellence in Healthcare

Winners: LifeSigns, floLIVE & Hetrogenous


LifeSigns, in partnership with floLIVE and Hetrogenous, has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Healthcare” for their LifeConnect 5G IoT-powered Connected Ambulance Solution. This transformative technology enhances emergency medical response by enabling seamless real-time patient monitoring, secure data transmission, and uninterrupted communication between ambulances and hospital teams. By elevating healthcare standards and improving critical patient care during emergencies, LifeConnect exemplifies the impactful use of connectivity to drive advancements in healthcare delivery.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Public Safety

Winner: Cumucore

Partner: Ripsim, Mosolabs, Starlink


When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, it left behind severe physical destruction and a critical communication crisis, isolating communities from essential resources and emergency services. In response, Cumucore, in collaboration with Ripsim, Mosolabs, and Starlink, deployed a resilient and scalable private mobile network that rapidly restored essential connectivity where it was needed most. This innovative deployment earned Cumucore the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Public Safety” award, recognizing their transformative use of private network technology to enhance disaster response and ensure reliable communication for affected areas during emergencies.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Agriculture

Winner: Invences &

Partner: Trilogy Networks


Invences Inc., in collaboration with Trilogy Networks, has been recognized with the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Agriculture” award for their pioneering deployment of a private 5G network tailored to transform farming operations. Implemented at a large-scale agricultural project in Fargo, North Dakota, this innovative collaboration drives digital transformation in agriculture through precision farming, real-time monitoring, AI-driven insights, and seamless data integration across rural and remote environments. Their efforts exemplify how 5G technology can revolutionize agricultural productivity and sustainability, setting new standards for efficiency and innovation in the sector.

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