Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN)

Open Radio Access Networks (RANs) are reshaping how telecommunications networks are built, making them more open, flexible, and innovative. It allows different vendors to work together, encouraging competition, driving new ideas, and creating smarter, more efficient networks. Open RAN is a step toward more reliable wireless communications.

Next generation RANs are characterized by the disaggregation of the network elements and the use of intelligent controllers to manage the increased complexity of radio technologies and network deployments. The disaggregation of the network elements to create an Open RAN that allows the equipment from different vendors to communicate requires well-defined, standardized interfaces. Furthermore, the increased complexity of the network and the need for real-time control forces the network operators to investigate automated solutions based on Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The standardization effort is being led by the O-RAN Alliance, an international community of mobile network operators, vendors, and research and academic institutions operating in the RAN industry.  NIST, a member of the O-RAN Alliance, is well-positioned to assist the telecommunications industry by developing methodologies and tools to assess the interoperability and performance of Open RAN solutions.

NIST is leveraging its experience in advanced communications and focusing research on new and emerging technologies with the goal of providing innovators with tools, evaluation technology, data, and strategies to help them focus on market deployment. NIST is conducting research in partnership with the Open RAN community to develop scientific strategies and define and quantify interoperability of Open RAN.

NIST is supporting the O-RAN Alliance goal of disaggregation by enabling varied solutions and vendors for each part of the architecture. Integration of deployed systems by large vendors is already evident, which defeats the purpose of the open architecture, disaggregated approach. NIST aims to lower the barrier to entry and achieve vendor diversity of Open RAN and make testing suitable for government use. 

NIST Research and Development

NIST researchers are utilizing ML algorithms to conduct side-by-side testing that emulates realistic configurations and scenarios. This allows for a thorough examination of critical communications systems for federal and commercial stakeholders, utilizing the NIST OpenRAN Testbeds.  NIST has three primary Open RAN partnership efforts that inform its research and development efforts:

• Open-Source Platform: Evaluate various open-source implementations, develop recommendations to enhance testing efficiency and trust by the United States government, and support component testing of 5G Security and RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) prototypes for small businesses and academia.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML): Review algorithms for automation and RAN optimization, develop reference datasets for training and validating ML models and xApps, and leverage simulation and testbed.
• Interoperability: Develop measurement methods to quantify the ability of different vendors to interoperate with each other and tools for multi-vendor optimization and performance.

NIST research is part of a larger effort by the United States Government to catalyze the development and adoption of open, interoperable, and standards-based networks. This includes the  U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, a ten-year grant program that will help drive wireless innovation, foster competition, and strengthen supply chain resilience. Other agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense are also supporting Open RAN research and development.