Redefining scale in modern networks: an interoperability discussion

"If we want to democratize connectivity, we need to move from human-intensive processes to machine-intensive automation." – Sanjay Saraswat, Managing Director & COO (RAN BU), Rakuten Symphony

Closed telecom systems have delivered decades of proprietary network software and equipment compatibility. But ease of deployment has come at the cost of flexibility, innovation and scale. As we shift to open networks, industrializing interoperability is the only way to achieve the new levels of scale required to drive growth.

Sanjay Saraswat joined us on this week’s episode of Zero-Touch Live to discuss how Rakuten Symphony is approaching the interoperability opportunity, progress achieved and industry-wide takeaways from this early work. The replay of our discussion is available below.?

All about automation?

Sanjay emphasized that achieving seamless multi-vendor interoperability isn’t about endless lab testing—it’s about automation. He pulled back the curtain on how Rakuten Symphony integrated more than 340,000 4G and 5G nodes across multiple vendors by automating validation processes, noting that this would have been impossible without automation.?

The following key approaches were noted as the foundation of successful interoperability at scale:?

• Automated validation: Eliminating manual processes ensures seamless integration across vendors.
• Ecosystem collaboration: Engaging with multiple suppliers and startups fosters continuous innovation.
• Going beyond telecom: The same principles driving telecom transformation (e.g., automation, interoperability and scalability) should be extended to industries like logistics, healthcare and manufacturing.?

"Adoption may seem slow, but the reality is that even proprietary vendors are now moving toward open RAN. The shift is happening—it’s just a matter of who leads and who follows." – Sanjay

Experience interoperability in action

Rakuten Symphony’s state-of-the-art lab in Bangalore is at the heart of the company’s interoperability work, serving as a hub for automated testing and validation. If you’re interested in seeing how interoperability is industrialized in practice, mention Sanjay Saraswat for more info.

Check out the replay of our discussion now and leave a comment to start a conversation.