Introduction
During the ONE Summit 2024, Leendert van Doorn, who heads Qualcomm’s global software engineering, delivered a compelling keynote on the crossroads facing Open RAN reference platforms. For those who missed the live session or want to revisit the insightful discussion, the complete keynote is available on the LF Networking YouTube channel.
Embracing Open Source for Innovation
Van Doorn’s keynote highlighted Qualcomm’s strong commitment to open source communities. He discussed the company’s “developer-first” approach, which is designed to simplify how developers interact with Qualcomm’s technologies, whether independently or with the company’s support. This strategy is not only about providing thorough developer documentation and easier access to hardware but also about Qualcomm’s active contributions to open source projects to ensure seamless integration with their products.
Strategic Contributions to Open RAN and 5G
Qualcomm’s involvement in Open RAN and 5G technologies dates back to collaborations starting in 2018, such as with Eurocom and various universities. These partnerships have been pivotal in advancing open source efforts and enhancing university research programs in cellular radio technology, which are critical for the entire telecom industry. Van Doorn highlighted the integration of AI in these technologies, enhancing capabilities like beam-forming algorithms and orchestration management.
Addressing Industry Fragmentation
One of the central themes of Van Doorn’s keynote was the issue of fragmentation in telecom projects. He advocated for a unified approach through the Linux Foundation Network (LFN), which he believes is ideally positioned to consolidate various efforts and lead the charge toward advancing 6G technology. This collaboration is seen as essential for maintaining competitiveness and innovation in a rapidly evolving global market.
Looking Forward with LFN
In his call to action, Van Doorn expressed Qualcomm’s commitment to rejoining and actively participating in the LFN to help fulfill the vision of the 5G super blueprint. This partnership is expected to drive forward the development of Open RAN technologies and other core network open source projects, leveraging synergies across AI, machine learning, and security initiatives. For more insights and a visual experience of the keynote, be sure to visit the LF Networking YouTube channel.
View the Full Keynote Here