Ericsson, Dell, and Red Hat Collaborate to Advance O2 Interface for Open RAN at MWC 2025

Ericsson, Dell, and Red Hat Collaborate to Advance O2 Interface for Open RAN at MWC 2025

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson, in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Red Hat, is showcasing its work on the O2 interface for Open RAN at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. The O2 interface supports the flexible and efficient management of cloud infrastructure for multi-vendor Radio Access Networks (RAN). This partnership highlights key innovations in telecom infrastructure management that enable more adaptable, open, and interoperable network environments.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 18-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson, in partnership with Dell Technologies and Red Hat, is demonstrating the power of the O2 interface at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, underscoring the growing role of Open RAN in the telecom sector. The O2 interface, defined by the O-RAN Alliance, is an essential element for managing the cloud infrastructure supporting Radio Access Networks (RAN) in multi-vendor environments, and this collaboration aims to empower communication service providers (CSPs) to create more flexible, efficient, and open networks.

The O2 interface helps break down the traditional barriers within network management by offering standardized interaction between RAN management systems and Open RAN-based cloud platforms, known as O-Cloud. This separation of infrastructure and management allows telecom networks to operate across different vendors and technologies, enhancing scalability and interoperability. Ericsson’s role in advancing the O2 interface alongside Dell and Red Hat is critical in accelerating the industry’s adoption of these open and adaptable technologies.

In their ongoing work, the companies have executed successful proofs of concept that validate the implementation of the O2 interface for cloud RAN management. Utilizing Dell Telecom Infrastructure Blocks, Dell Telecom Infrastructure Automation Suite, and Red Hat OpenShift, these tests demonstrate seamless northbound integration to Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP). At MWC 2025, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the capabilities of this collaboration at both the Dell and Ericsson booths.

The O2 interface comprises two key components:

• O2 Infrastructure Management Service (IMS): It enables efficient hardware and software resource management and monitoring at distributed locations, providing smooth lifecycle management through automated workflows.
• O2 Deployment Management Service (DMS): It manages the lifecycle of Open RAN functions and applications hosted on the O-Cloud, ensuring coordinated resource management across multiple O-Clouds.

By aligning these functions, the O2 interface ensures that RAN management and automation can effectively manage cloud RAN deployments, supporting multiple vendors and O-Clouds in an interoperable, multi-vendor ecosystem. This innovation positions Open RAN as a driving force behind the future of telecom networks, fostering a more open, programmable, and agile environment.

Ericsson has prioritized the O2 interface within its offerings, with native support integrated into its Cloud RAN network functions and the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform. The O2 IMS interface, which is fully integrated with Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS) and Operations Manager Cloud Infrastructure (OMC), provides seamless resource management and lifecycle coordination, aligning with Open RAN specifications.

“This collaboration is crucial for the evolution of telecom networks,” said Anders Vestergren, Head of Solution Area Network Management at Ericsson. “The O2 interface enables CSPs to build open, flexible networks that can adapt to a variety of vendor technologies. The industry must unite to standardize interfaces like the O2 to achieve the scalability and interoperability needed for the next generation of telecom infrastructure.”

Red Hat’s Honoré LaBourdette, Vice President of the Global Telco Ecosystem, added, “Our alignment with O-Cloud standards, coupled with the O2 interface, provides CSPs with the flexibility to deploy networks using best-in-class platforms, ensuring greater efficiency, adaptability, and reliability across vendor ecosystems.”

Dell’s Andrew Vaz, Vice President of Telecom Systems Business, emphasized the importance of open, standardized interfaces in accelerating innovation: “With Dell’s telecom solutions, combined with Ericsson and Red Hat technologies, we are enabling CSPs to efficiently manage cloud RAN networks while adhering to Open RAN standards, driving faster innovation in the telecom space.”

At MWC 2025, visitors to the Dell (booth #3M10) and Ericsson booths will have the opportunity to see firsthand how this collaboration is industrializing the O2 interface and driving forward the next phase of telecom network evolution.

Media Contact:

investor.relations@ericsson.com
+46 10 719 00 00

media.relations@ericsson.com
Tel: +46 10 719 69 92

SOURCE: ERICSSON