# Week 4 Note
## Name : Christofel Rio Goenawan
## University : Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
## Date : 21/6/2020 - 27/6/2020
## Objectives:
1. Understand concept and work of O-RAN. (What? How? Why ? )
2. Know how O-RAN utilize ML Models.
3. Know how O-RAN utilize Acumos AI Platform.
## 1. What is O-RAN ?
Open Radio Access Network (usually called "O-RAN") is a totally disaggregated approach to deploying mobile fronthaul and midhaul networks built entirely on cloud native principles. O-RAN is an evolution of the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) architecture. O- RAN aim to ease interoperability and standardization of RAN elements including a unified interconnection standard for white-box hardware and open source software elements from different vendors.

## 2. How O - RAN works?
OpenRAN create a standard protocol for information in software and hardware part so various type of information and hardware can work together as one system . In a traditional RAN, hardware components and software code are tightly coupled, and interfaces do not support interoperability between different vendors. That means nearly all the equipment comes from only one, closed supplier. With the virtualization that OpenRAN brings, operators can run software-based network functions on standard (COTS) servers. Open interfaces allows a new freedom – the use of one supplier’s radios with another’s processors. The logic scheme of O - RAN can be show below.


OpenRAN is an alternative way of building networks that promises greater interoperability and more competition.

## 3. Why using O - RAN?
There are some main advantage of using O - RAN than another RAN.

1. **COST SAVINGS**. You can build a virtualized network, containerize it and each of the elements can be completely broken down. This modern network can support either tens of subscribers to millions of subscribers.

2. **MULTIPLE OPERATORS and NETWORK SHARING**. OpenRAN vRAN can run multiple operators using multiple VNFs sitting side-by-side on the same platform to have segregated networks. The other benefit is network sharing in the future through software.

3. **ELIMINATE VENDOR LOCK-IN**. OpenRAN breaks open the interface between the remote radio head and the DU. With current legacy vendors, it’s a walled garden and proprietary.

4. **Third PARTY TESTING BENEFITS**. Radios with another specs on one side and O-RAN specs on the other will work with different vendors’ baseband and because there is a defined specification with 3GPPP interfaces, the elements can be tested independently. It takes pressure off operators to test in their own labs. Radios can be purchased from any vendor and tested by independently by a 3rd party and be assured that it works.

## 4. How O - RAN utilize ML Models ?
The detailed diagram of how O- RAN utilize ML Models can be shown below.


## 5. How O - RAN utilize Acumos AI Platform ?
The simple diagram of how O- RAN utilize AI Acumos Platform can be shown below.


## Sources:
1. https://bit.ly/35g0KaC
2. https://www.metaswitch.com/knowledge-center/reference/what-is-an-open-radio-access-network-o-ran
3. https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/solutions/wireless/o-ran