LF Networking (LFN), the Linux Foundation’s open-source networking hub, has struck several alliances to advance development in AI-native networks such as 6G and open radio access network (open RAN).

LFN is collaborating with the AI-RAN Alliance on various initiatives, including AI for RAN, which sees AI and machine learning used to enhance RAN performance, and AI on RAN, in which AI applications are run directly on radio access networks.

It also partnered with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) on developing open RAN software, in keeping with the alliance’s work toward open, next-gen network architectures across U.S. and international operators.

“The Linux Foundation and its associated projects across LF Networking and beyond are committed to building a globally interoperable, open ecosystem that enables innovation across the entire networking stack – from RAN to core to edge,” said Arpit Joshipura, general manager for networking, edge, and IoT at the Linux Foundation.

“This collaboration with ATIS enables us to bring the best of open source and standards together to advance 5G/6G, promote secure development practices, and engage a broader ecosystem.”

ATIS’ steering on 5G and 6G evolution is led through its initiative, the Next G Alliance, which fosters a North American model across global operators. As an example, Next G and Japan’s XG Mobile Promotion Forum (XGMF) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on building a global ecosystem for 5G and 6G technologies.

The AI-RAN Alliance, meanwhile, was formed last year to focus on AI as a fundamental RAN building block for 5G and 6G networks. Its founding members included Amazon Web Services (AWS), Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, Nvidia, SoftBank Corp., and T-Mobile.

The next generation of AI and 6G

Linux’s networking hub was formed in 2023, when the Open Networking Foundation merged its open-source networking portfolio into the Linux Foundation.

Both LFN partnerships see ATIS and the AI-RAN Alliance banking on the potential of open source to galvanize next-generation network architectures.

Téral Research predicts the global AI-RAN market will grow from $1.7 billion this year to $10.4 billion in 2030, bolstered by the promised benefits AI can bring to the deployment and management of cloud-based open RAN networks.

Both AI-RAN and 6G aim for better performance and lower operating costs. But, as recently reported by SDxCentral, telecoms operators are not necessarily in a rush to deploy 6G technology, with many still absorbing major 5G network costs, and seeing little return on investment.

Investment – or lack thereof – is also hindering AI-RAN development, with AWS telling SDxCentral operators are playing wait-and-see on the cost and performance benefits.