AI-RAN: The technology that revolutionizes mobile networks

Last update: 14/03/2025
Author Isaac
  • AI-RAN improves the efficiency of mobile networks Artificial Intelligence.
  • Samsung, Nokia and NVIDIA lead its development and implementation.
  • The AI-RAN Alliance drives the integration of IA in telecommunications.
  • Tests at MWC 2025 demonstrate its impact on efficiency and coverage.

AI-RAN in mobile networks

The evolution of mobile networks has reached a new level with the arrival of artificial intelligence integrated into radio access networks (AI-RAN). This technology promises to transform connectivity by optimizing resources and managing data traffic more efficiently. Large companies such as Samsung, Nokia and NVIDIA are leading these advances, working together to develop smarter and more sustainable infrastructures.

In this article, we'll explore in detail what AI-RAN is, how it works, and what impact it could have on the future of telecommunications. We'll also analyze the industry's efforts to make this transformation a reality and how artificial intelligence is redefining wireless network management.

What is AI-RAN technology?

AI-RAN is the evolution of the traditional Radio Access Network (RAN), enhanced with capabilities of Artificial Intelligence to optimize its performance. In simple terms, it is an integration of advanced algorithms that allow for more efficient management of network traffic, improving the speed, coverage and Energy Efficiency .

In conventional mobile networks, the RAN is responsible for connecting user devices to the network core. With the implementation of AI-RAN, this connection becomes more intelligent and adaptable, dynamically adjusting to real-time data transmission needs.

AI-RAN structure in 5G and 6G networks

Main benefits of AI-RAN

The implementation of AI-RAN brings multiple benefits for operators and end-users. Among the most notable are:

  • Greater energy efficiency: AI allows energy consumption to be distributed more efficiently, reducing energy expenditure compared to traditional infrastructure.
  • Bandwidth optimization: AI-RAN dynamically adjusts network capacity based on demand, avoiding congestion and improving user experience.
  • Reduction of operating costs: Thanks to automation and advanced data analysis, operators can optimize their resources, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
  • Improvement in service quality: Latency is reduced and connection stability is improved, enabling smoother user experiences, especially in critical applications such as cloud gaming or autonomous driving.
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Companies that are promoting this technology

Several companies have taken the lead in AI-RAN research and development. These include:

  • Samsung: It has successfully tested interoperability between its virtualized RAN (vRAN) and NVIDIA accelerated computing, demonstrating significant improvements in network efficiency.
  • Nokia: It has established specialized AI-RAN centers to develop use cases in real-world environments, collaborating with operators such as KDDI, SoftBank, and T-Mobile.
  • NVIDIA: your platform AI Aerial accelerates radio signal processing and enables the integration of AI and RAN into a common infrastructure.

The role of the AI-RAN Alliance

To further boost the development of this technology, the AI-RAN Alliance It was created with the aim of fostering collaboration between technological and academic institutions. Its founding members include AWS, Microsoft, Ericsson, Samsung, Nokia and T-Mobile, who work on key initiatives such as:

  • AI for RAN: Using machine learning algorithms to improve spectral efficiency.
  • AI and RAN: Integrating AI with network infrastructure to optimize costs and performance.
  • AI in RAN: Application of artificial intelligence in wireless networks to enable new services.
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Use cases and tests in real environments

Major operators have conducted trials to evaluate the viability of AI-RAN under real-world conditions. Some of the most significant include:

  • Samsung and NVIDIA: At Mobile World Congress 2025, they demonstrated how AI-RAN can increase efficiency and reduce costs in mobile networks.
  • Nokia and T-Mobile US: They evaluated the coexistence of AI and RAN on shared infrastructure, maximizing resource utilization.
  • KDDI and SoftBank: They applied AI to optimize energy consumption in 5G networks.

These experiments have shown that the adoption of AI-RAN can mean a radical change in the way wireless networks operate, laying the groundwork for future expansion of the 6G technology.

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AI-RAN Live Demonstrations at MWC 2025

Advances in AI-RAN are marking a new era in telecommunications, where the combination of artificial intelligence and mobile networks promises to improve efficiency, reduce costs and offer a more robust connectivityWith the support of leading companies and strategic alliances, this technology has the potential to become a standard in the coming years, driving the evolution toward smarter and more efficient 6G networks.

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