Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of telecommunications, and nowhere is this more evident than in the evolution of radio access networks (RAN). These networks form the backbone of mobile connectivity, linking our devices to the core of telecom systems through radio waves. As we stand on the threshold of 6G, the integration of AI into RAN—known as AI-RAN—is unlocking new possibilities for efficiency, performance, and innovation.
The Journey from RAN to AI-RAN
Radio access networks have come a long way since the early days of mobile communication. With each generation, from 2G to 5G, RAN has expanded the boundaries of what’s possible, enabling faster speeds, greater coverage, and more reliable connections. Now, the telecom industry is setting its sights on the next leap: AI-powered RAN.
The formation of the AI-RAN Alliance in 2024 marked a pivotal moment. This coalition of 26 members—including industry giants like Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung, SoftBank, and T-Mobile, alongside leading universities—aims to create “smarter connections to sustain human progress.” Their mission is to enhance RAN infrastructure, boost network performance, and enable new AI-driven applications.
How AI is Transforming RAN
AI’s role in RAN can be grouped into three main categories:
- AI-for-RAN: Here, AI is used to optimize network efficiency and capacity, preparing networks for the demands of 6G and beyond.
- AI-and-RAN: This approach merges computing and communications infrastructure, allowing RAN to run AI workloads, including generative AI applications.
- AI-on-RAN: Focused on the radio interface itself, this category aims to improve latency, throughput, and reduce delays, making networks more responsive and reliable.
These innovations promise a host of benefits: dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions, improved spectrum efficiency, increased capacity, and a better user experience. For telecom operators, AI-RAN could also mean fewer base stations and lower infrastructure costs.
Real-World Applications and Industry Momentum
The AI-RAN Alliance isn’t just talking about the future—they’re building it. Samsung, for example, has demonstrated how AI can enhance channel estimation, leading to significant improvements in data throughput and energy efficiency compared to traditional 5G RAN. By adaptively adjusting power based on signal strength, networks can deliver faster speeds while consuming less energy.
Collaboration is key to this progress. Samsung and Japan’s KDDI Research are jointly exploring how AI can boost the performance of distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) systems, which use multiple antennas across different cells to increase speed and coverage. Meanwhile, SoftBank is rolling out its AITRAS solution, a high-performance AI-RAN platform, with plans for global expansion. Their work with Nokia, Ericsson, and Red Hat is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, from optimizing server resource allocation to reducing power consumption in data centers.
Actionable Insights for Telecom Stakeholders
- Stay informed: The pace of AI-RAN development is accelerating. Regularly follow updates from the AI-RAN Alliance and leading telecom innovators.
- Invest in skills: As AI becomes integral to network operations, upskilling teams in AI, data science, and network engineering will be crucial.
- Explore partnerships: Collaboration between telecom operators, technology providers, and academia is driving breakthroughs. Seek out opportunities to participate in joint research or pilot projects.
- Prioritize sustainability: AI-RAN’s potential to reduce energy consumption aligns with global sustainability goals. Consider how these technologies can help meet environmental targets.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI-RAN and 6G
As 6G standardization gathers steam, AI’s role in telecom will only grow. The U.S. Department of Defense is already exploring AI-RAN for secure, resilient military networks, while commercial operators are preparing for a new era of intelligent, adaptive connectivity. The journey is just beginning, but the destination is clear: smarter, faster, and more sustainable networks for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-RAN is set to revolutionize how radio access networks operate, driving efficiency and innovation.
- Industry alliances and partnerships are accelerating real-world applications and research.
- AI-powered RAN can improve network capacity, user experience, and energy efficiency.
- Collaboration and upskilling are essential for telecom stakeholders to stay ahead.
- The evolution toward 6G will be shaped by the integration of AI at every layer of the network.