Can Broadcom leverage its hardware muscle and VMware’s software prowess to become the overlooked architect of next-generation mobile networks?
Barcelona, Mobile World Congress (MWC). Broadcom’s strategic acquisition of VMware presents a powerful opportunity to reshape the mobile network architecture landscape. By strategically combining its hardware expertise with VMware’s software capabilities, Broadcom is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of mobile network operators.
During MWC, IoT Times talked to Padma Sudarsan, senior director of telco architecture at Broadcom. She highlighted the company‘s strategic maneuvers in the rapidly changing mobile network architecture landscape, particularly following the VMware acquisition. Her insights show how Broadcom is leveraging its strengths and VMware’s newfound capabilities to carve a dominant position in this dynamic market.
Padma Sudarsan, senior director of telco architecture at Broadcom
Broadcom boasts a well-established reputation in the hardware domain, supplying network operators with critical components like chipsets, modems, and converters that form the backbone of traditional network infrastructure. However, acquiring VMware injects a powerful dose of cloud expertise into the mix. This strategic move empowers Broadcom to offer a more holistic telco cloud platform that seamlessly integrates core Radio Access Network (RAN) and cloud deployments.
Addressing brownfield networks and Open RAN adoption
Understanding that most operators have existing network infrastructure (brownfield), Broadcom steers clear of a one-size-fits-all approach. Sudarsan emphasized, “We have come up with the Service Management and Orchestration so that wherever they want, they can introduce it.” This versatile platform offers end-to-end visibility across various network elements, encompassing legacy equipment, virtualized elements (vRAN), and small cells. This agnostic approach is particularly beneficial in the Open RAN movement, where operators can select vendors from a wider pool while retaining centralized control.
Importance of end-to-end visibility and AI-powered optimization
Broadcom’s ambitions extend beyond mere orchestration. Sudarsan explains, “Our service management and orchestration platform goes beyond orchestration by offering service management, observability, and assurance.” This translates to a rich combination that empowers operators to collect data from every corner of their network, gaining invaluable insights into performance metrics and potential problems. Additionally, integrating the Radio Intelligence Controller (RIC) unlocks the potential of AI and machine learning for network optimization, applicable to cutting-edge 5G deployments and existing networks. DISH Wireless’ decision to leverage VMware Telco Cloud Service Assurance for end-to-end visibility is a compelling testament to the platform’s value proposition.
Network programmability and business opportunities
The conversation around network APIs for programmability is another area that Broadcom is keenly following. Broadcom recognizes the growing interest in network APIs, such as the GSMA Open Gateway, and is actively exploring the possibilities. The collaboration with Vodafone to create an API gateway for short-form video traffic exemplifies this commitment to innovation. This gateway empowers operators to expose network information to content providers, enabling real-time adjustments based on network conditions and user experience. Sudarsan believes network APIs are crucial to unlocking new revenue streams for operators in the 5G era.
Exploring AI for natural language network queries
Finally, Broadcom is delving into the exciting realm of AI for natural language network queries. Sudarsan highlights their collaboration with Aira Technologies on RANGPT, a tool powered by large language models (LLMs), stating, “It’s a natural language query. That you can ask a question and say, which regions have Um, performance degradation and it comes back with a response,” said Sudarsan. This exemplifies Broadcom’s commitment to simplifying enterprise network management. RANGPT allows users to ask questions about network performance in plain English, eliminating the need to navigate complex technical jargon.
“Quick experimentation is impossible, and ideas get killed in the process. Aira addressed these challenges by creating RANGPT to provide a natural language interface to network data,” said Ravikiran Gopalan, co-founder and CTO of Aira Technologies. “With RANGPT, a wireless expert can analyze data, gain insights, iteratively experiment, and ultimately deploy code as rApps in a matter of hours—a swift process which previously would have taken months.”
Stakeholders are wary of Broadcom’s monopoly and cost-savings
While Broadcom’s combined offering with VMware presents a compelling vision for the future of mobile network architecture, there are potential downsides to consider. The acquisition has raised concerns among some industry analysts regarding competition. Broadcom’s dominance in the hardware space and VMware’s leading role in virtualization software could create a situation where operators have limited choices and potentially face higher prices. Additionally, Broadcom’s reputation for prioritizing cost-cutting measures over customer support has some telco operators worried about the level of service they might receive for VMware products moving forward.
Broadcom’s Open RAN compatibility and network APIs could encourage innovation and agility. Smaller vendors may benefit, but Broadcom’s hardware dominance could hinder interoperability and innovation. The telco market is watching closely to see how Broadcom navigates these potential challenges and how VMware acquisition shapes the competitive landscape.
