Viavi Solutions Inc. has unveiled a key partnership with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), aimed at enhancing Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) testing capabilities through its Automated Lab-as-a-Service, VALOR. This initiative aligns with TIP’s vision to standardize and streamline Open RAN deployment.
Backing this ambitious project is a $21.7 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This grant facilitated the creation of VALOR, which,a according to Viavi, “provides a pathway to certification in the U.S. for new entrants, startups, and academia.”
“By bringing VALOR’s test-as-a-service capabilities to TIP, VIAVI advances the mission of TIP’s OpenRAN Project Group and enhances the broader industry’s ability to implement and certify Open RAN technologies,” the company stated.
VALOR, known for its cloud-based and virtual testing features, will be integrated into TIP’s system performance certification program. Dr. Sameh Yamany, CTO of VIAVI, emphasizes that this collaboration aims to tackle deployment hurdles and promote a more efficient supply chain. “This initiative aims to reduce market fragmentation, create supply chain efficiencies, and build marketplace confidence through standardized testing and certification processes,” said Yamany.
Through this collaboration, VALOR has become the first authorized test lab under TIP, enhancing certification and interoperability efforts. Kristian Toivo, TIP’s Executive Director, reiterated the importance of comprehensive testing to ensure robust and high-performing Open RAN systems. “This strategic engagement fosters innovation, improves supply chain resilience, and accelerates the global adoption of Open RAN technologies,” Toivo noted.
The alliance also enables TIP to leverage VALOR’s capabilities to construct a performance certification framework, aiming to align industry standards and foster global interoperability.
VIAVI and TIP’s partnership marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications sector, promising a more resilient and scalable Open RAN ecosystem. This initiative offers operators more flexible, cost-effective, and high-performance network solutions, fostering greater innovation in network technologies.
