SoftBank Corp. has made significant strides in 5G technology by developing 5G Layer 1 (L1) software, delivering carrier-grade performance and quality for a virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) using the NVIDIA Grace Hopper platform. Recently, in a groundbreaking outdoor test conducted in Fujisawa City, Japan, SoftBank successfully created an environment that enabled the baseband processing of 20 5G cells with a 100 MHz bandwidth on a single server equipped with the NVIDIA G##00 Grace Hopper Superchip. By leveraging the 4.9 GHz frequency band, this test achieved a maximum communication capacity of approximately 1.3 Gbps per cell through the advanced 4-layer MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output) technology.
The high-speed processing capabilities of NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform align well with the stringent requirements of high-frequency bands, which bodes well for future applications, including 6G technology and centimeter waves. This innovation underscores the scalability and efficiency of SoftBank’s solution, aimed at significantly boosting 5G networks. Furthermore, coupling NVIDIA’s expertise with SoftBank’s platform has potential implications for the broader telecom industry, with prospects for more efficient handling of expanded bandwidth and enhanced connectivity.
Additionally, NVIDIA announced that SoftBank had successfully piloted the world’s first AI-integrated 5G telecom network using the NVIDIA AI Aerial accelerated computing platform. This groundbreaking convergence of AI and 5G technology introduces promising new revenue opportunities potentially worth billions for telecom operators. This development also points to a future where the seamless integration of AI into telecommunications not only boosts network performance but also opens innovative avenues for service personalization and operational efficiency.
Together, these advances represent a substantial leap in telecom technology, emphasizing high-speed processing, efficient bandwidth utilization, and the integration of AI to enhance telecommunication networks’ performance and profitability. This technological synergy from SoftBank and NVIDIA underscores the ongoing evolution of networking solutions, setting the stage for future innovations in 5G and beyond. The collaborative effort has illuminated paths toward more robust, scalable, and intelligent network infrastructures, heralding a new era of connectivity and communication.
