In collaboration with Nokia and Dell, StarHub has completed the first 5G cloud radio access network (cloud RAN) for Southeast Asia. This initiative is taken to digitally transform the enterprises by the telco’s Cloud Infinity initiative.

Cloud RAN

Cloud RAN is the detachment of the RAN baseband software from the RAN baseband hardware. This enables the RAN software to run on any capable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, with or without integrated accelerators, by utilizing cloud-native tools and processes to manage the software and hardware. It means that baseband RAN software can be deployed in multiple ways, including cloud hardware on-site, in a CSP-owned data center, and on a hyperscale public cloud.

Cloud RAN Usage

To meet the dynamic network demands of mobile networks, Cloud RAN is important for mobile operators, as this shift will enable more efficient resource allocation and scalability. 

StarHub’s trial illustrated the cloud RAN’s capability to deal with enterprises and their needs like ultra-low latency applications, time-based service provisioning, and fluctuating throughput services. It will also help new enterprises open additional business opportunities. For instance, it will help StarHub to work with major financial institutions that use Cloud Infinity for low-latency connectivity, better cybersecurity, and optimized observability. 

Nokia and Dell Collaboration 

For the cloud RAN trial by StarHub, Nokia’s commercial 5G cloud RAN solution was used, establishing carrier-grade calls. The setup integrated with various cloud platforms and extant servers, while maintaining the existing RAN systems. 

Additionally, Nokia’s MantaRay NM managed network tasks between the cloud and conventional RAN setup. 

For hardware, Dell provided the setup of PowerEdge XR8620 servers. 

Red Hat OpenShift Input 

The Kubernetes-powered hybrid cloud platform, Red Hat OpenShift, supported the stationing of cloud-native RAN functions. 

The trial also incorporated Red Hat OpenShift, a Kubernetes-powered hybrid cloud platform, to support the deployment of the cloud-native RAN functions.

Cloud Infinity 

About this trial, the chief technology officer of StarHub, Ayush Sharma, highlighted that it is a landmark initiative for the company to participate in the future technologies. He further added 

‘It also marks a key step in our Cloud Infinity journey, strengthening our ability to deliver cloud-native services’

He further added about the flagship project of the company, Cloud Infinit, which was designed to enable

“an infinite number of digital platforms and services”

both StarHub and its customers. He noted that traditional approaches were no longer viable in a saturated market.

“Two years ago, we decided we couldn’t continue to operate in this hyper-commoditised market in the way you build traditional telco stacks,”

He said.

“We wanted to transform into a hybrid multicloud company […]. Cloud Infinity was the result.”

Sovereign Cloud Services 

StarHub’s Cloud Infinity is initiated to assist organizations in addressing the fluctuating demand for sovereign cloud services in Southeast Asia. The initiative is primarily focused on government agencies and regulatory sectors like banks and state agencies. For this purpose, quantum-safe technologies and encryption are integrated to meet the requirements of each sector. 

StarHub is a leading Singapore telco company, providing services for world-class communication, entertainment, and digital solutions.  Currently, the company is looking for new ways to utilise its terrestrial, subsea, and satellite infrastructure to expand its services.