Open ran interfaces tested for smooth multi-vendor network connections
Interoperability Assessment of Fronthaul and E2 Interfaces for Multi-Vendor Open RAN Systems
Networking and Internet Architecture
Summary
Wireless networks are changing by using open parts that can work together from different makers. The authors looked at how well two important connection types, called Fronthaul and E2 interfaces, work when mixed from different companies. Testing these connections is tough because they must match exactly and one part, the Near-RT RIC, is very new. The authors studied 13 different real systems in special labs and shared what they learned about making these pieces work well together.
What this means in practice
- •For network equipment integrators: Improve the deployment of multi-vendor Open RAN systems by using tested interoperability profiles for Fronthaul and E2 interfaces to ensure smooth integration.
- •For wireless network operators: Use validated interoperability insights to select compatible Open RAN components and reduce risks when deploying disaggregated wireless networks.
Authors
Farhad Mehran, Charles Turyagyenda, Dritan Kaleshi
Abstract
Open Radio Access Networks (RANs) aim to transform the existing wireless network architectures by adopting open interfaces, disaggregating and virtualising RAN components, and enabling dynamic control of the system via data-driven methods. To accelerate the development of interoperable RAN solutions, rigorous assessment of Open Fronthaul and E2 interfaces based on O-RAN Alliance Interoperability Testing (IOT) specifications plays a key role as the integration of these interfaces seems to be very challenging, e.g. due to the need for alignment of Fronthaul IOT profiles and unforeseen challenges for E2 interface integration as Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) is relatively a new component introduced within the RAN architecture. In this paper, selected parts of the latest findings and lessons learned from interoperability assessment of Open Fronthaul and E2 interfaces for 13 multi-vendor Open RAN systems deployed in SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre (SONIC) Labs are presented.