AI Will Change 5G Forever: Qualcomm’s Acquisition of Cellwize

Qualcomm takes a big step forward into 5G—and positions itself to accelerate the technology’s adoption.

Qualcomm, a global company in semiconductors, software and mobile and wireless solutions, has expanded its commitment to 5G through the acquisition of Cellwize, an Israeli start-up specializing in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI)-based software that can accelerate 5G network deployment.

The chipmaker giant is already a leader in the effort to adopt 5G technologies to power the intelligent edge and bring more businesses and people into the cloud economy.

Pushing the Adoption of Open RAN

Qualcomm has extensive 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) offerings, with particular strength in 5G infrastructure.

A RAN is one of the most important components of wireless communications networks like 5G. It connects radio base stations that receive and transmit traffic from network endpoints, such as mobile phones, and links them up to the carrier core network. Open RAN is an initiative led by equipment makers and telecom companies for common design standards in the radio access equipment used in telecommunications networks. These standards would encourage equipment vendors to create gear that interoperates with the equipment of other vendors.

Currently, equipment makers don’t have to consider that interoperability, which can lead to telecom companies and other enterprises having to rely on one provider for a smooth-running network. That vendor lock-in often means high prices, limited competition and less flexibility in network design.

The adoption of Open RAN would have a significant influence on the 5G infrastructure development that Qualcomm has invested in. Cellwize’s AI/ML technology can bridge this gap.

How Cellwize’s AI/ML Benefits 5G

Qualcomm has been enabling 5G connectedness with that growing variety of devices at the edge. Another important piece of the puzzle is having the right solutions in place for the transition of those devices to 5G to be successful. That’s where Cellwize comes in. Whereas Qualcomm has the infrastructural capabilities to bring those devices into a 5G environment, Cellwize’s deployment and orchestration capabilities will help those devices maximize the benefits of 5G.

Cellwize specializes in 5G mobile network automation and management through its flagship CHIME platform. CHIME is an Open RAN-ready, cloudified and AI-driven RAN automation and orchestration platform that works across vendors and enables mobile operators to launch 5G networks with minimal need for manual input.

The platform pulls in raw data from internal and external sources and runs it through AI and machine learning services to enrich it. CHIME then transforms the data into an abstracted model that can be accessed through an application programming interface. That model is then deployed across RAN architectures, technologies and vendors, creating a unified applications layer across the network.

The addition of Cellwize’s platform will enable Qualcomm to provide:

  • RAN automation and management solutions to help reduce network deployment time, bring 5G products to the market faster, streamline network management and enable innovation at the connected intelligent edge.
  • RAN architecture flexibility with support for both traditional and modern virtualized open networks. This would also enable previous cellular generations to accelerate digital transformation in various industries.
  • Multi-vendor choice of Open RAN services management and orchestration interfaces and industrial interfaces while ensuring interoperable automation across different vendors.
  • Programmable RAN automation solutions to allow Qualcomm customers and partners to differentiate and customize their offerings, by segment and per individual customer, through an application ecosystem without compromising network performance. This solution also offers intelligence-driven RAN operations, including a non-real-time radio intelligent controller to help power the 5G connected intelligent edge.
  • Streamlined and accelerated private network deployment through cloud-hosted RAN automation. This solution will make it easier and faster for network operators and system integrators to plan, deploy, monitor, optimize and automate private networks so they can take full advantage of 5G’s potential.

By acquiring Cellwize and its technologies, Qualcomm will be able to accelerate Open RAN adoption globally, deploy 5G private networks more efficiently and boost cloud-based cellular infrastructure innovation. Qualcomm sees Open RAN as a critical technology for the deployment of 5G networks, whether public or private.

“Global mobile operators and private enterprises are deploying 5G networks at an unprecedented pace across industries with the goal of connecting everyone and everything to the cloud,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, cellular modems and infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies. “The addition of Cellwize’s best-in-class RAN automation technologies strengthens Qualcomm Technologies’ ability to drive the development of the modern 5G network—accelerating Open RAN global adoption, cloud-based cellular infrastructure innovation and 5G private network deployments.”

What Does This Mean for the 5G Market?

Bringing Cellwize into the fold allows Qualcomm—and its clients—to make it easier to adopt Open RAN. Mobile technologies are evolving beyond the smartphone into products from mobile computers to vehicles to the Internet of Things. While Qualcomm has already cemented its position as a 5G infrastructure leader, acquiring Cellwize and its technologies enables the chipmaker to expand beyond infrastructure.

“Qualcomm Technologies can no longer be defined only as a communications company serving one industry—we are a leading connected processor company for the connected intelligent edge, serving multiple new end markets and enabling the growth of the cloud-connected economy,” the company said in a statement when announcing the purchase.

Transitioning to 5G isn’t always easy. Although Qualcomm is adept at offering infrastructure support for that transition, its presence in the Open RAN field isn’t as prominent. Bringing Cellwize into the Qualcomm family is intended to help grow its footprint in Open RAN adoption and support.

Qualcomm’s acquisition of Cellwize demonstrates that the chipmaker is willing to back up its commitment to 5G with its pocketbook and will continue advocating for the adoption of Open RAN to help accelerate 5G adoption.