Ericsson and Intel already work closely together on virtualized RAN architectures, even though the Swedish firm has increasingly talked up the need for proprietary and specialized silicon to support near-real time functions in the RAN’s Layer 1. However, for the centralized unit (CU) of the disaggregated vRAN architecture, which supports functions at higher layers, an x86-based platform is the heart of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN offering. Now, the two firms have set up the Ericsson-Intel Tech Hub to identify and prioritize enhancements and use cases for Cloud RAN, and to build an R&D roadmap for future commercial software releases. The hub is located in Ericsson’s Silicon Valley facility in Santa Clara, California and will focus on creating a roadmap to support…