Keysight Technologies and Northeastern University will jointly demonstrate advancements in AI-driven orchestration for radio access networks (RAN) at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25). This demonstration, set to take place at Keysight’s booth ,will highlight the integration of AI in optimizing network performance, enhancing real-time data processing, and improving overall efficiency.
The initiative stems from the AI-RAN Alliance, a global effort to incorporate AI into next-generation wireless systems. With AI playing a crucial role in automating network resource allocation, the collaboration between Keysight and Northeastern University seeks to showcase how AI-RAN orchestration can transform traditional RAN operations into more adaptive and efficient frameworks.
The demonstration will leverage Northeastern University’s AI-and-RAN reference system, operating on a shared Open Cloud (O-Cloud) compute cluster, alongside Keysight’s Open RAN Architect (KORA) testing solutions. This setup will validate the coexistence of AI and RAN workloads, addressing challenges in real-time data processing, network security, and performance optimization.
The growing complexity of 5G and 6G networks has heightened the need for intelligent orchestration solutions. AI-RAN orchestration provides a scalable infrastructure for edge data centers, enabling seamless allocation of computing resources between RAN and generative AI (GenAI) applications. The initiative also aims to improve latency, security, and reliability, which are critical for modern wireless networks.
One of the primary challenges in AI-RAN integration is ensuring that AI-driven automation does not compromise network stability. By continuously testing and benchmarking performance under various Open RAN (O-RAN) traffic models, Keysight and Northeastern University seek to establish a framework for reliable AI-native RAN operations.
Industry leaders have emphasized the significance of this collaboration in shaping the future of wireless communications. Tommaso Melodia, Director of the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University, emphasized the role of AI in enhancing network intelligence. He stated, “Orchestration to share compute infrastructure at edge data centers between RAN and GenAI services while ensuring network reliability represents a crucial step toward intelligent and virtualized next-generation wireless systems where communication, sensing, and AI will coexist at the edge.”
Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, highlighted the potential of AI-RAN orchestration to revolutionize traditional network architectures. He noted, “Our close collaboration with Northeastern University highlights the potential of AI-RAN orchestration to transform traditional RAN systems into intelligent, adaptive, efficient, and reliable networks. This advancement will drive the development of AI-native RAN and accelerate the telecom industry’s progress towards 6G.”
As AI integration in telecommunications advances, the AI-RAN demonstration at MWC25 represents a pivotal moment for the industry. By validating AI-driven network management in real-world scenarios, Keysight and Northeastern University are contributing to the evolution of more resilient and intelligent wireless networks.
