Report
The HiPer-RAN project (“Highly Intelligent, Highly Performing RAN”) set out to develop an open, flexible platform capable of hosting diverse software-based intelligence across the entire Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture, from higher-layer orchestration down to the physical layer. Adopting a holistic approach, the project addressed software automation, performance, and interoperability within a unified framework, aiming to deliver measurable benefits at a system level and support the long-term evolution of Open RAN deployments.
To achieve this, HiPer-RAN brought together a strong consortium of industrial, academic, and SME partners, combining deep research expertise with real-world product development. The project followed two complementary development paths: an experimental track for exploring high-risk, non-standard concepts, and a near-to-market track focused on innovations that could be rapidly deployed in real-world Open RAN networks.
These developments directly support the UK’s ambitions for Open RAN leadership. HiPer-RAN contributed to all three core objectives of the UK ONE competition:
• Developing, demonstrating and testing approaches for optimising Open RAN network performance in High Demand Density environments,
•Developing open and interoperable software, including RIC technologies,
•Developing hardware solutions for open interface infrastructure to reduce/remove barriers to scaled market adoption.
These achievements culminated in the project receiving the “Incremental Innovation” Award from UK DISIT and UKTIN. This award recognizes projects that have delivered “significant advancements in network technologies through iterative, practical improvements”.
This report outlines a final overview of the project’s results, key achievements, and financial costs. It includes not only high-level technical achievements with supporting evidence, but also highlights the external impact promoted by the consortium, through contributions to technical specification bodies, academic publications, event participation, and award-winning demonstrations.
