The O-RAN Alliance is a consortium of telecom operators and technology companies that collaborate to develop open standards and specifications for ORAN. The alliance publishes technical specifications and reference architectures to guide the implementation of open RAN solutions.
Functional Split:
One key aspect of ORAN is the definition of functional splits between various components of the RAN. This includes the split between the Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) in the baseband processing.
Open Fronthaul Interface:
ORAN defines open interfaces, including the open fronthaul interface, which allows interconnection between the DU and Radio Unit (RU) components. The goal is to enable multi-vendor interoperability and flexibility in selecting different components.
O-RAN Architecture:
The O-RAN architecture typically involves the following key elements:
RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC): It is responsible for making intelligent decisions in the RAN based on information from various sources.
Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (near-RT RIC): It performs functions requiring low latency and high reliability.
Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (non-RT RIC): It handles functions that can tolerate higher latency.
Use of Open APIs:
ORAN promotes the use of open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) between different RAN components. This enables better integration and flexibility in the network.
Security Considerations:
Security is a critical aspect of any telecommunications network. ORAN specifications include considerations for securing open RAN implementations, including authentication, encryption, and authorization mechanisms.
Management and Orchestration:
ORAN considers the management and orchestration of the RAN components. This involves defining interfaces and protocols for the management and control of various elements within the network.
