Paving the evolution path to AI-native 6G
The world is in the early years of an AI supercycle, a multi-decade transformation where AI becomes pervasive, driving exponential demand for intelligence, advanced connectivity and next-generation networks.
Current telecommunication providers’ networks are not designed to meet the demands and scale of AI traffic. Our Cloud AI-RAN is engineered to be AI-native from the ground up, providing a clear evolution path to 6G.
Flexible architecture foundation for Cloud AI-RAN
Our Cloud AI-RAN is built on the flexible anyRAN software, which is open, cloud-native and hardware-agnostic. The anyRAN software runs across GPU, ARM and x86 architectures, supporting open interfaces and multi-vendor ecosystems and it is available with our AirScale and Cloud RAN solutions. This ecosystem flexibility accelerates innovation and protects our customers’ investments.
In our reference Cloud AI-RAN configuration we have GPU which is used to run the anyRAN baseband SW together with CPU. This GPU accelerated platform can be hosted on industry-standard COTS servers. In this solution, the hardware layer is abstracted, enabling telecommunication providers to benefit from feature consistency across Cloud AI-RAN and AirScale AI-RAN.
This enables scalable performance for both AI-native RAN workloads and broader ecosystem of AI applications while maintaining open standards and reference architectures for partner and third-party integration.
Why Nokia
We are driving the evolution toward AI-native networks with proven software innovation, strategic partnerships and industry-leading research into AI-ready infrastructure. With our Cloud RAN projects and proofs of concept, we are leading the evolution toward the Cloud AI-RAN era.
We are working across standards bodies and open ecosystem initiatives, and co-innovating with telecommunication providers to ensure they can capture the full value of the AI supercycle, both technically and commercially.
Creating new business opportunities with AI in the RAN
Cloud AI-RAN turns the network into a platform for innovation, going beyond connectivity and enabling new monetization opportunities for telecommunication providers. They can monetize AI-related traffic optimization and near-real-time responses, offer differentiated service tiers, and use excess GPU capacity for thereby optimizing TCO.
AI for RAN: Bring operational and spectral efficiency to the next level through massive AI-driven optimization, increasing your network performance in the AI-native RAN era.
AI on RAN: Monetize agentic AI frameworks and near-real-time RAN exposure via APIs through running AI apps for industries with strict latency and data locality requirements.
AI and RAN: Monetize on-demand GPU-as-a-Service solutions with spare GPU capacity at RAN Edge to host AI applications and maximize ROI (Return on Investment).
What are mobile operators’ Cloud RAN strategies?
Mobile operators’ Cloud RAN strategies are explained in our videos. Watch the videos to hear insights from operators worldwide about RAN evolution and cloudification.
Nokia is a trusted Cloud RAN partner and supplier for our customers, supporting their business strategies with true flexibility.
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Cloud RAN and Open RAN: NTT Docomo and Nokia build next-gen networks
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du & Nokia: Powering the UAE's digital future with AI, Cloud RAN & 5G innovation
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Orange & Nokia: RAN innovation insights from Elisabeth Py
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Orange & Nokia: Cloud RAN strategy insights from Atoosa Hatefi
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Orange & Nokia: Atoosa Hatefi on open RAN and sustainable innovation
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Insights to Vodafone's Open RAN strategy
How do mobile operators use Cloud RAN?
Mobile operators use Cloud RAN in their commercial networks. Nokia Cloud RAN is field-proven in close collaboration with customers and technology partners. Read our case studies and papers to understand how mobile operators have trialed and implemented Cloud RAN.
Elisa introduced a commercial Cloud RAN solution in its mobile network
Automated networks and flexibility
Resource optimization and scaling
Accelerated service innovation
As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, the demand for reliable, scalable and efficient network solutions is growing rapidly.
Fast integration with 5G Core in the production network
Proven interoperability with commercial 5G smartphones
Confirmed performance consistency
Joint Nokia and e& UAE white paper
Cloud RAN can enhance the efficiency, flexibility and scalability of 5G networks
Centralized and distributed options
Advanced automation capabilities
Efficient resource scalability and more flexibility with anyRAN
Frequently asked questions
Nokia Cloud AI-RAN is the next evolution step of radio access networks, engineered to be AI-native from the ground up. It enables telecommunication providers to deliver and process AI traffic in real time while supporting traditional connectivity — all on the same platform.
Traditional RAN architectures were not designed to support the scale, complexity, and latency requirements of distributed AI workloads. Cloud AI-RAN addresses this by integrating GPU acceleration directly into the network architecture. First, GPU acceleration is leveraged to support high-performance Layer 1 (baseband) processing, ensuring the deterministic performance and efficiency required for advanced radio functions. Second, any remaining GPU capacity can be utilized to enhance additional RAN capabilities, such as advanced beamforming and other performance-optimizing functions. Finally, if further GPU resources are available, they can be monetized through a GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) model, enabling operators to offer excess compute capacity for edge AI or enterprise applications. This architectural shift delivers higher throughput, lower latency, improved spectral efficiency, and creates a scalable foundation for next-generation services.
By bringing GPUs into the RAN, Cloud AI-RAN accelerates key functions such as Layer-1 processing with parallel computation, enabling smarter traffic handling and higher spectral efficiency. This results in better resource utilization, reduced power consumption and enhanced price to performance ratio per cell, improving both technical outcomes and total cost of ownership.
The management framework is clearly defined within the Cloud AI-RAN architecture. Nokia provides end-to-end management for the RAN network, including RAN functions, associated hardware, and the CaaS layer, based on validated reference configurations. AI applications and additional workloads can be deployed within this environment, with management responsibilities defined according to the agreed operational model.
Solid industry ecosystem is evolving the future of Cloud AI-RAN
The benefits of Cloud RAN partner ecosystem are explained in our videos. Watch the videos to hear insights from leading technology companies.
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