Open RAN

The Coordinated Multipoint Open Radio Access Network (CoMP-O-RAN) will deploy densified outdoor small cell clusters using 5G New Radios (NR) to complement existing mobile networks, reduce the cost-per-bit and deliver enhanced 5G network performance.

One of the most challenging components in a mobile network site is the ‘Distributed Unit’ or DU. This performs signal processing, converting radio signals to data traffic that can then be transported by the microwave, optical and wireline networks to the core network infrastructure.

The Energy-efficient Cloudlets for ORAN, or ECORAN project will reduce the power consumption of the commodity hardware used by Open RAN.

A key feature of ORAN is the use of commodity hardware made up of servers, accelerators, storage and programmable interfaces, together with open software.

The project will be used to test and demonstrate a multiple operator, neutral host solution using an Open RAN ecosystem.

O-RANOS main motivation is to address key architectural and technological challenges for deploying end-to-end O-RAN multi-domain (private-public) interoperable networks.

Almost every piece of 5G hardware requires multiple semiconductor switching devices to generate the signals being transmitted. Gallium nitride (GaN) switching devices are used in a wide range of applications from consumer electronics to defence radar systems.

Proteus is breaking open the proprietary nature of mobile base stations by creating a flexible layer of software which interfaces directly to the radio hardware. This will allow companies, large and small, outside the handful of big vendors to develop competitive products which are quicker to market.

Although the smallest project in FRANC in terms of funding, the FRAT project packs a punch and will produce equipment to be used in the development of mobile base station infrastructure.

View the slideware from the DCMS briefing event.

DCMS has launched a £25m competition to enable academics and the telecoms industry to conduct early-stage research into open and interoperable telecoms solutions, such as Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN), for us in 5G and future networks such as 6G.

Vodafone and NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO) today published a joint white paper (see below) offering advice to the wider operator and vendor community when testing the integration of key Open RAN software and hardware building blocks.

“Open RAN” is one of the major trends in the mobile industry.