Report
The Cambridgeshire OpenRAN Ecosystem (CORE) Project deployed and tested a high-performance 5G Standalone OpenRAN network optimised for High Demand Density (HDD) environments. These are urban settings with large numbers of simultaneous users where traditional networks often underperform.
Project aims:
- Develop a collaborative project partnership and governance framework to manage the design and delivery of 5G standalone networks using OpenRAN principles.
- Implement software-based automation (rApps/xApps) to reduce operational costs and improve performance
- Showcase demanding use cases including Augmented Reality immersive applications in real-time HDD scenarios.
- Test readiness for Neutral Host deployment in line with Joint Operator Technical Specifications (JOTS).
- Develop new features in the existing Benetel radio to enable MOCN and allow MNOs to share the network providing a Neutral Host environment.
Looking at HDD impact, the densities chosen met or exceeded UK benchmarks for HDD and provided an excellent real-world testbed for OpenRAN capability under stress.
To support these densities, Benetel’s radio units were enhanced with Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) functionality, enabling shared infrastructure and facilitating future commercial integration with Mobile Network Operators. The network is technically JOTS-ready, and plans are in place to connect with VMO2’s Test Core to validate compliance with MNO certification for Neutral Host Outdoor Deployment (NHOD).
The project demonstrates the value of software-defined networks in high-demand environments, combining 5G private networking capabilities with open, interoperable RAN infrastructure. For industry, this represents a reduced total cost of ownership, faster deployment, and new commercial models for urban coverage.
