Sunderland Open Network Ecosystem

Partners

• Sunderland City Council
• Boldyn Networks Infrastructure UK Limited
• Sunderland Association Football Club Limited
• British eSports Federation
• Perform Green Limited

Project Summary

The 'Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem' (SONET) Project is poised to transform the way we engage with live sports and esports. the project will showcase a highly efficient, state-of-the art High-Density Demand (HDD) Open RAN solution at the Stadium of Light and the new British Esports Arena, part of the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland. 

Utilising cloud-native systems, Radio Intelligent Controls and automation, the cutting-edge SONET Project will create a Multi-Network Operator Neutral Host distributed antenna system that adheres to Joint Operator technical specifications (JOTS). This will deliver a solution  capable of providing high-capacity, multi-operator connectivity. In addition, SONET will demonstrate a platform that will reduce the total cost of ownership burden for Mobile Network Operators by connecting a HDD stadium to an MNO Core Network without the need for a large deployment of base stations, thereby reducing power consumption and space and reducing time-to-market. In addition, delivery of this high-capacity connectivity platform will provide customers the capability for immersive interactions that will enhance live-streamed football and global esports events. 

The project will develop a UK first Open RAN solution, bolstering network performance and providing seamless connectivity on user devices, elevating the quality of experience for all users in HDD environments.

Liz St Louis, director of smart cities and enabling services at Sunderland City Council said: 

“Enabled by grant funding from the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition, we are delighted to launch the ‘Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem’ (SONET) Project.

This innovative project will create a more immersive and engaging experience for esports players and fans at Sunderland’s new British Esports arena, as well as evolving Sunderland AFC’s football ground, the Stadium of Light, to meet the needs of future generations, by providing engaging event content and interactive digital experiences.

With no other esports venue in the world matching SONET’s unique Open RAN infrastructure, Sunderland’s esports arena will lead the way globally, significantly contributing to the UK’s capabilities.”