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.

Project update:

The SONET project is deploying an Open RAN 5G solutions around the Stadium of Light and an esports arena, demonstrating intelligent, adaptable network controls for different venues and use cases. These solutions provide high capacity and extensive coverage, leveraging cloud-based architectures for flexibility and scalability. 

Moving forward, SONET will refine its intelligent network management capabilities, optimising performance across diverse environments. The project aims to enhance real-world applications of Open RAN, supporting seamless connectivity for high-demand venues while advancing the future of dynamic, venue-specific 5G solutions. It will demonstrate the capabilities of the solution through the provision of immersive events and deployment of video analytics focusing in particular on public safety.

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.”