Topic 2: Introduction to Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN); 5G Standard.

Sub-topic 2:

Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN);
Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Alliance;
Open Source Projects;
5G Services;
5G Standard;
5G Network Architecture;

The 3 most important aspects:
5G network architecture, O-RAN architecture, 5G Standard.

Summary:

A. O-RAN

O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) is a type of network infrastructure that splitting different function of the base station into centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), and remote unit (RU) with open interface between them. Vision of O-RAN is intelligence & standardization implement as intelligent management, open source & virtualization in CU and DU, and white box & reference design in AAU/RRU. O-RAN characteristic concept include disaggregation of RAN into function (CU, DU, RU, RIC), decoupling of software from hardware (virtualization), and opening of internal RAN interfaces, allow creating an open ecosystem from different vendors, and intelligent management that enabled by RIC for various RRM function such as traffic steering, mobility management, interface management, etc. Benefit RAN architecture is capable of reducing network CAPEX and OPEX, improving network efficiency and performance, and importing new capability with great agility. O-RAN Alliance and Telecom Infra Project (TIP) is two dominant open RAN standardization bodies. The O-RAN RIC Alliance has two form, a non-real time RIC and a near real time RIC.

Fig 1 RAN Transformation

Fig 2 O-RAN Architecture

Fig 3 5G System Architecture

Comment:

The general goal of the O-RAN standard is to give a chance to new vendors to create open RAN standards into the RAN market and give other options to a single vendor solution. This architecture has a benefit but also creates challenges for further usage. This oriented service of 5G O-RAN using RIC is needs updates for software in RIC. This could have a secure open source software and optimizing of the software especially that AI who decides things more complex such as in wearable health monitor for patients based on a daily report to detect symptoms.