The telecommunications sector is undergoing a profound shift in recent times, driven by the need for quicker, more dependable, and cost-efficient connectivity. Network capabilities are evolving across various fronts, including design, architecture, operations, orchestration, and security. The rise of diverse and sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) applications, with their varying Quality of Service (QoS) demands, necessitates a flexible network infrastructure. This demand for network enhancement has positioned network transformation as a crucial solution for meeting diverse requirements. Consequently, telecom Service Providers (SPs) must revamp their mobile network architecture to maintain competitiveness and deliver cutting-edge services in this evolving landscape. Central to this transformation is the migration of network infrastructure towards virtualized Data Centers (DCs), facilitated by principles such as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV), along with Network Disaggregation. So, now let us see the IOT demands in telecom sector along with Reliable 4G Tester, 4G LTE Tester, 4G Network Tester and VOLTE Testing tools & Equipment and Reliable LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom in detail.
However, to enable advanced services, networks must support multiple radio links, spanning from user-to-network and device-to-device communications to interactions between vehicles and drones. This requirement for multiple radio links necessitates a more sophisticated and flexible Radio Access Network (RAN). Yet, existing RAN architectures are limited in flexibility due to their reliance on proprietary hardware and software, hindering cost-effective and swift network deployments. The need for a flexible RAN architecture led to the evolution of RAN from distributed to centralized and virtualized architectures. This evolution initially gave rise to Cloud RAN (C-RAN) and virtualized RAN (vRAN) infrastructures, which further advanced into Open RAN architecture. Open RAN revolutionizes telecom network infrastructure, offering a more agile, flexible, scalable, and interoperable approach to service delivery, benefiting both SPs and end-users. Explore the blog to delve deeper into Open RAN and its architectural components.
Drivers of Open RAN Adoption
In network deployment costs, RAN and Core Network (CN) typically account for 80% and 20%, respectively. This makes RAN the most challenging and costly aspect of network infrastructure. Conventional RAN frameworks consist of proprietary components reliant on hardware-based, centralized, single-vendor modules. These systems lock telecom SPs into specific vendors and expensive integrations, often constraining their ability to scale and transform.
Telecom SPs, or Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), seek an end-to-end virtualized, disaggregated, and cloud-native network design running on cloud infrastructure to reduce Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenses (OPEX). This network transformation design includes:
Network Disaggregation: breaking down the network into multiple modules that can be chosen and assembled based on the use case model.
Virtualization: replacing dedicated network equipment with Network Functions (NFs) and running these functions as software on Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers.
This transformation involves disaggregating the Baseband Unit (BBU) into Distributed Unit (DU) and Centralized Unit (CU), contrasting with traditional RAN architecture featuring integrated BBU and Radio Unit (RU). Open RAN is an innovative solution poised to address vendor lock-in and limitations of proprietary components with an open, flexible, intelligent, fully virtualized, and interoperable RAN architecture. This is facilitated by multi-vendor interoperability, allowing the construction of an Open RAN framework by any vendor, interoperating seamlessly and securely with any other devices or transmission networks attached, as depicted in Figure 1. It establishes a modular base station software stack operating on COTS hardware, enabling operators to assemble BBUs and RUs from any vendor, significantly reducing CAPEX and OPEX. The primary motivation for MNOs to migrate towards Open RAN is the ability to choose best-of-breed solutions instead of inflexible one-size-fits-most solutions.
To enable the Open RAN solution, various standardization bodies, initiatives, and forums play a significant role. One of the most prominent groups is the O-RAN Alliance, a technical specification group outlining next-generation RAN infrastructures based on intelligence and openness. Consisting of 200 MNOs, vendors, and research & academic institutions operating globally in the RAN industry, the alliance aims to transform the industry towards more intelligent, virtual network functions, general-purpose or white-box hardware, and standardized and open interfaces.
The RAN transformation, encompassing technological and industrial revolution, can significantly increase complexities in network operations and orchestrations. To address these challenges economically, adopting intelligent RAN automation strategies aided by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques is crucial. Service Management Orchestration (SMO) platforms in Open RAN Framework can enable automated network management and orchestration capabilities.
SMO in Open RAN Framework
As per the O-RAN Alliance, the Open RAN architecture comprises key components and interfaces.
SMO delivers end-to-end network slicing across RAN, transport, and core networks, responsible for RAN domain orchestration. The solution supports multi-cloud, multi-domain, and multi-tenant deployment models. The significance of SMO in the Open RAN framework includes:
Network Slicing: creating multiple logical networks based on specific use case requirements, with SMO responsible for their instantiation, allocation, and orchestration, facilitating efficient service delivery.
Dynamic Service Management and Orchestration: resource allocation, utilization, service provisioning, and orchestration within the Open RAN framework, ensuring that services are created, scaled, and decommissioned as needed, along with dynamically orchestrating compute, storage, and network resources to optimize resource utilization.
FCAPS Support: proactive monitoring of performance and service quality to ensure high availability and reliability.
Automation: leveraging AI/ML techniques for real-time decision making and proactive orchestration.
Openness and Flexibility: facilitating easy onboarding of new services, adapting to varying demands, and ensuring agile and flexible services.
Multi-vendor Support and Interoperability: achieving interoperability among multiple vendors through standardized interfaces and protocols for service management and orchestration.
The key SMO interfaces in the Open RAN architecture are described in the following table.
With these capabilities, SMO in O-RAN enhances agility, flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in orchestrating the growing demands of modern wireless networks while embracing openness, interoperability, and multi-vendor support.
In a Nutshell
SMO’s fundamental role is to automate and simplify the orchestration and management of complex and disaggregated Open RAN frameworks. SMO can serve as a powerful platform for mobile network automation if its capabilities extend beyond RAN domain orchestration, supporting multi-vendor and complex next-generation networks.
Calsoft, as a Technology-First partner, is spearheading the path towards an open mobile future, enhancing mobile access efficiency, network performance, and security. Calsoft’s Open RAN services encompass solution design, integration and testing, software development, and security solution
