Samsung Electronics has achieved a significant advance in AI-RAN capabilities through a collaborative effort with NVIDIA, successfully completing a multi-cell test integrating Samsung’s virtualized RAN software with NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform. Validated at Samsung’s research and development center, this integration represents a key step toward the commercial deployment of AI-enhanced networks and will be showcased at Mobile World Congress 2026. The demonstration features an AI-based downlink performance boost leveraging AI algorithms for improved throughput and higher spectral efficiency for operators. “As AI-powered capabilities become integral to meeting the demands of evolving networks and growing traffic needs, Samsung’s vRAN takes center stage with its software-based architecture,” said Keunchul Hwang, Executive Vice President and Head of Technology Strategy Group, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
Samsung and NVIDIA Validate AI-RAN Performance with vRAN Integration
This validation in a realistic network environment represents a significant step toward the commercial deployment of enhanced wireless networks, and builds upon Samsung’s existing leadership in 5G solutions encompassing chipsets, radios, and cores. Samsung and NVIDIA are also jointly pursuing innovations to accelerate data exchange between CPUs and GPUs, leveraging Samsung’s vRAN and NVIDIA’s unified processor for optimal performance and cost. The collaboration extends to the integration of Samsung’s vRAN software with NVIDIA’s ARC Compact, equipped with NVIDIA Grace CPU and L4 GPU, completed last month as a further move towards commercialization. This software-based approach provides operators with greater flexibility and performance, supported by an ecosystem of partners including NVIDIA.
NVIDIA’s Soma Velayutham affirmed the importance of this work, stating, “Operators today need AI-native, software-defined infrastructure to stay ahead of evolving connectivity demands. Samsung’s successful multi-cell validation and innovative AI beamforming solution on NVIDIA AI Aerial mark an important milestone towards AI-RAN commercialization.” By combining large-scale vRAN deployment experience with NVIDIA’s computing platform expertise, Samsung aims to lead the advancement of AI-powered, software-based networks, including multiple-input multiple output technology for increased data speeds and capacity.
The demonstration highlights an AI-based system—an AI MIMO 1 beamformer—that utilizes AI algorithms to achieve higher spectral efficiency, allowing operators to maximize capacity from their existing spectrum allocations. Samsung’s commitment to advancing AI enhancements within its software-driven network portfolio is evident through this collaboration with NVIDIA platforms.
As AI-powered capabilities become integral to meeting the demands of evolving networks and growing traffic needs, Samsung’s vRAN takes center stage with its software-based architecture.
Keunchul Hwang, Executive Vice President and Head of Technology Strategy Group, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics
