You may have read there are some challenges with 5G and its ability to reach inside buildings or cover large areas. Millimeter-wave, for example, is part of the RF spectrum with these challenges. This is likely part of the reason Corning and Intel announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate the availability of 5G in buildings. The two companies will work together to deliver a virtual platform for Corning’s 5G network solutions powered by Intel Xeon Scalable processors and Intel FlexRAN Reference Software Architecture.

This co-innovation effort will create a streamlined path for mobile network operators and enterprise building owners to deploy 5G solutions that meet the performance demands of their customers and enable faster adoption of 5G applications, with the ability to scale from small to large venues and enterprises.

“5G will enable dramatic advances in the way people work and companies create value,” said Michelle Engarto, vice president, Wireless Product Line Management, Corning Optical Communications. “Capturing the benefits will require flexible and scalable infrastructure that can evolve and adapt as fast as software-based applications.  Fiber offers effectively unlimited bandwidth and is protocol agnostic.  Virtualization converts a traditional hardware challenge into a software-based solution.  By combining fiber and virtualization, Corning and Intel will demonstrate the ultimate in flexibility and scalability for in-building 5G infrastructure.”

The collaboration combines Corning’s wireless connectivity portfolio and Intel’s leading-edge technologies, including second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors; Intel FlexRAN 5G and 4G Reference Software; Intel FPGA Programmable Acceleration Card N3000; 10/25/40Gb Intel Ethernet 700 Series Network Adapters to support 5G innovation as deployments proliferate around the world.

 “Our collaboration with Corning will help ensure the 5G revolution does not stop at the building door,” said Cristina Rodriguez, vice president and general manager of Wireless Access Networks Division, Data Center Group at Intel.

“This Intel-based foundation for next-generation virtualized radio access networks (vRAN) will enable customers to reap the full benefits of 5G based platforms for ultra-reliable low latency, enhanced mobile bandwidth, and massive machine-to-machine communication both inside and outside their buildings,” she said.

The news is good for potential 5G customers. 5G hasn’t become ubiquitous yet and obviously, there are many benefits for users when it does. Low latency, massive amounts of broadband speed and the ability to connect huge amounts of IoT devices are just a few. Obviously, solid coverage will be needed to realize these dreams which is why this collaboration between Corning and Intel is so significant.

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