The journey to the AI era begins with virtualized RAN

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the defining force behind the next generation of mobile networks. The deployment decisions operators make today will shape their ability to adopt new AI capabilities, introduce future services, and evolve to 6G without a costly infrastructure overhaul.

Samsung is uniquely positioned to help lead the next-gen transition, thanks to its established AI leadership, its vantage point into multiple product sectors, and its proven cloud-native solutions. This end-to-end perspective provides insight into how AI is transforming the entire ecosystem — from the devices generating AI-driven applications to the chips powering compute-intensive workloads and the networks that connect them.

Combined with decades of wireless innovation and deep involvement in global standards development, Samsung isn’t just preparing for AI-native networks — it’s helping define them.

Why vRAN Matters

At the center of Samsung’s vision is virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN) — the optimal foundation for AI to thrive. Unlike traditional RAN architectures, vRAN separates network software from dedicated hardware, allowing network functions to run on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers. The result? A software-driven architecture that gives operators the flexibility to add new capabilities, enhance network performance with native AI, and continuously evolve their networks through software rather than costly purpose-built hardware replacements. Running on a COTS platform further empowers operators to independently scale their compute infrastructure on demand with CPUs and GPUs, unlocking richer and more powerful AI-driven capabilities as AI moves deeper into the network.

Future 6G capabilities — including Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), AI-native air interfaces, and distributed intelligence — will require significantly greater computing power. As Samsung’s vRAN already supports CPUs and GPUs, operators can dynamically allocate resources as AI workloads grow, creating an architecture designed to evolve rather than be replaced.

Samsung’s solutions in action today

The value of Samsung’s approach is already being demonstrated in commercial networks across the globe. Through Samsung’s vRAN, intelligent applications within its CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS), and other cutting-edge solutions, the power of AI is being applied in the major operators’ networks, driving real-world results:

• RAN Speed Optimizer (RSO) unlocked a maximum downlink throughput of 52% on a live 5G network
• Energy Saving Manager (ESM) validated up to 35% total energy reduction in a U.S. commercial deployment
• Network in a Server (NIS) recently powered an ISAC field trial with a Tier 1 U.S. operator, showcasing how next-gen networks will be able to actively perceive and respond to their environment

These validations reinforce that when AI is embedded within network operations, it allows operators to curate enhanced user experiences while optimizing resource utilization and reducing costs.

Innovation backed by research

Samsung’s real-world advancements are enabled by the company’s deep investment in wireless research and leadership in global standards.

Samsung currently holds multiple chair and vice-chair positions across 3GPP Technical Specification Groups and Working Groups, and chairs the ITU-R Coordination Group. Samsung is also a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, currently serving as the Vice Chair of its Board of Directors and leading the Alliance’s Agentic AI Task Group, focused on exploring the application of agentic AI for autonomous network operations and management.

The combination of research, standards leadership and commercial experience creates a continuous feedback loop that helps accelerate innovation while shaping the future direction of the industry.

Building the AI-native network

For operators, the takeaway is clear: software-defined, AI-ready infrastructure is no longer just an investment in better 5G performance. It is the foundation for AI-native 6G.

With successful vRAN deployments, AI already proven in commercial networks, leadership in wireless standards, and expertise across a multitude of product areas, Samsung is poised to help operators build networks that are ready not only for what’s next — but for the AI-driven future already taking shape.

Ready to deploy a network that’s built for the AI era? Discover how Samsung’s vRAN and AI-powered network solutions help accelerate today’s network performance while creating the foundation for tomorrow’s AI-native services.