On December 28, 2022, a cutting-edge OpenRAN mobile network introduced in Germany by 1&1, following the lead of Japan and the United States. This OpenRAN system based purely on the cloud started working with the direct utilization of 4G and 5G wireless technology.
The OpenRAN technology’s open, standardized interfaces enable the integration of parts from any manufacturer, freeing 1&1 from the development cycles of any particular provider. 1&1 is using servers from DELL and Supermicro, routers from Cisco, software from Rakuten, Mavenir, and Altiostar, and antennas from NEC and Communications Components (CCI).
“The commissioning of our OpenRAN network underscores our position as pioneers who now provide evidence in Germany that the world’s most modern network technology is fully functional,” said Ralph Dommermuth, CEO at 1&1.
The building of additional 50 radio masts in cities including Hamburg, Essen, Düsseldorf, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Munich, and Freiburg has been finished in addition to the initial three antenna sites in Frankfurt am Main and Karlsruhe. The facilities will progressively start operating in the coming weeks.
More than 500 Regional Data Centers
All 1&1 radio towers have gigabit antennas and are only connected to regional edge data centers that run conventional servers over optical fiber networks. The OpenRAN network’s capacity to operate in real-time and with very short data runtimes is made possible by the close proximity of antennas to edge data centers.
The market practice of using only software updates to update 4G antennas to the 5G radio standard without any increase in performance, a step that is subject to criticism, is not followed by 1&1.
After last year’s unexpected supply delays, which negatively impacted 1&1’s most significant development partner, the company reorganized its rollout process and anticipates the gradual addition of new antenna sites going forward. 235 sites are now being built, and the first interim goal of 1,000 radio masts should be accomplished by the end of the year.
“Despite delays in recent months, we still want to meet our obligation to cover 50 percent of all households by the end of 2030 ahead of schedule,” added Ralph Dommermuth. “We expect to achieve this goal by commissioning about 12,600 radio masts and more than 500 regional data centers.”
