The Interaction Of Open-RAN And 5G

Open-RAN is no longer in its infancy, but still has a few challenges to overcome, also with a view to the introduction of nationwide 5G networks.

All the more important are technologies that permanently raise connectivity and capacities to a new level. If you are looking for new solutions here, you will inevitably come across Open-RANs (Open Radio Access Network) – i.e. open-source, virtualized software that runs on open-interface hardware. The technological approach is no longer in its infancy, but still has a few challenges to overcome, also with a view to the introduction of nationwide 5G networks. Above all, the automation of processes will play an important role.

The main problems with the introduction of Open-RANs are the scalability and the merging of the many different technologies from different providers. The open design of the underlying architecture should give the customer the freedom to choose individual elements such as third-party applications, platforms and the hardware themselves. Standard technologies reach their limits here, which is why providers often use the same technologies and concepts as in software development: Automation solutions and DevSecOps approaches accelerate infrastructure deployments, secure them and make network configurations fit for the required performance requirements.

The first advances in possible uses and performance improvements can be expected as early as this year. The open design of the underlying architecture should give the customer the freedom to choose individual elements such as third-party applications, platforms and the hardware themselves. Standard technologies reach their limits here, which is why providers often use the same technologies and concepts as in software development: Automation solutions and DevSecOps approaches accelerate infrastructure deployments, secure them and make network configurations fit for the required performance requirements.

Assemble the puzzle pieces

Providers are also attempting to automate work with a large number of different hardware and to speed up deployments many times over thanks to open source. Ensuring system verifications and technical requirements of the delivered products are part of the puzzle. The fact that they also have to meet customer SLAs is another. How can all this be implemented and all the devices managed? Process automation will play a crucial role in solving these problems and is currently the subject of research and development.

The O-RAN Alliance has a central task in the further development of Open-RANs. In this worldwide association of mobile network operators, providers and research and university institutions, the results from various working groups come together. Here the individual sections are combined to form a network; with a focus on how Open-RANs can be made more efficient and the applications and services that build on them can be provided.

In the future, the Radio Interface Controller (RIC) will be important for the use of new technologies in an Open-RAN itself. This is a kind of door opener for new technologies that operators and providers use to make a network much more efficient, for example in terms of slicing and spectrum scheduling. Even if the radio interface controller is still lagging behind compared to the rest of the architecture, it will become an important part of future networks. For example, it could enable the use of artificial intelligence directly in an open RAN and is required for third-party applications that automate network operations, reduce costs and at the same time improve the quality of the customer experience.

Individual solutions in the future

The rollout of 5G technology and Open RANs is in full swing. For the future, experts expect mature implementations around the world, but also a large number of private 5G networks in the most important industrial sectors. Companies and operators then have the choice of which solutions are more suitable for their requirements and how these are implemented and delivered. Up to this point, however, there are still some problems to be solved. The automation of critical operational processes is an important factor that will help with solutions for scalability and service level agreements as well as compliance with required industry and security standards.

Also Read: New Business Models with 5G Campus Networks