Open RAN Interoperability

Summary

Manufacturers and operators of Open RAN technology encounter several challenges when deploying the new design. The primary challenge is integrating systems from multiple vendors to ensure widespread acceptance and meet the system's key performance criteria. To ensure the success of Open RAN technology, we propose a methodology to determine the weight of system parameters contributing to key performance. This will enable the creation of limited test suites to rigorously and scientifically verify system interoperability. Implementing this methodology will expedite the deployment of Open RAN technology and promote its acceptance within the telecom industry.

Description

Credit: CTL

Open RAN aims to enable components from different vendors to work together seamlessly. However, integrating elements from various suppliers poses technical challenges. It requires thorough testing, standardization, and collaboration to ensure that hardware and software work together seamlessly. This complexity can lead to deployment delays and increased costs. We are developing a methodology to reduce the number of test cases, lower the cost of testing, and provide a scientific and measurable tool for the system component approval.

Verifying the interoperability of Open RAN systems poses a significant challenge for manufacturers and operators. The Communications Technology Lab Shared Spectrum Metrology Group (CTL SSM) is well-equipped to tackle these challenges by developing a scientific and measurable methodology for assessing interoperability among different Open RAN vendors. This will help establish a cohesive end-to-end Open RAN system. Additionally, SSM has the expertise to create tools and algorithms that optimize system performance and provide detailed insights into the nodes and parameters responsible for any issues.

An Open RAN gNB involves hundreds of parameters that impact its performance. Our approach focuses on interoperability, starting with establishing a real Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) working Open RAN system in our lab to conduct research in a controlled environment. We aim to define Open RAN interoperability and distinguish our definition from those commonly used by manufacturers, operators, and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs). Subsequently, we will conduct factor screening to determine the importance of each factor affecting the system's key performances (KPIs) and propose a subset of factors for creating limited test cases to quickly and rigorously measure system interoperability. Following this, we will integrate interoperability into the Open RAN server’s operator system (OS) for real-time and swift system interoperability verification. Finally, we will incorporate the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) into our system to verify interoperability through artificial intelligence (AI) for multiple Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), even after system installation.

Credit: NIST CTL

Major Accomplishments

• IEEE ICC Publication 2024: Evolving Open RAN Interoperability: A Large-Scale Definition
• Establish an Open RAN interest group comprised of our agencies and key partners. Hold monthly meetings to educate, align, and explore potential collaboration.
• Engage in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Project (TIP) by contributing to test case designs and reviews.
• Participate in the O-RAN Alliance, specifically in the Open Fronthaul Interfaces, Working Group four, WG4.