ORANs

Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) refers to an approach to building radio access networks that emphasizes open, software-driven, and multi-vendor interoperability. It seeks to disaggregate traditional RAN components and standardize interfaces to enable faster innovation, easier upgrades, and cost efficiency through virtualization and cloud-native deployment.

The O-RAN Alliance coordinates the development of specifications and reference architectures for disaggregated RANs. Central to the model is the division of the RAN into Radio Units (RUs) at the cell site, Distributed Units (DUs) closer to the network edge, and Central Units (CUs) in centralized data centers or cloud environments. Open interfaces connect these elements, such as the open fronthaul between RU and DU, and the F1 interface between DU and CU. Control and analytics are provided by near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controllers (near-RT RIC) and non-real-time RIC, with interfaces like E2 (between near-RT RIC and DU/CU) and A1 (policy and guidance between near-RT and non-RT RIC). Management and orchestration are enabled through the O-Cloud and the O-RAN management network (O1).

Benefits of O-RAN include vendor interoperability, accelerated software innovation, and the ability to deploy flexible, scalable, and virtualized networks. The approach also supports AI-driven optimization and more agile network operations. Challenges include meeting stringent latency and reliability requirements, ensuring security across multi-vendor components, aligning standardization timelines with commercial deployments, and managing complex integration and governance.

Adoption is growing in 4G and 5G networks, with ongoing trials and commercial deployments by various operators and vendors. See also OpenRAN, O-RAN Alliance.