Open RAN

You might have been hearing about Open RAN for many years (as of Jan 2022). It has bee
especially in 2019, 2020, 2021 and it is likely to see more and more cases of Open RAN-ba
coming years.

 What is it ?

 Does OpenRAN mean all Software ?

 Why OpenRAN ?

 Challenges for OpenRAN

 Any OpenRAN Already Deployed?

What is it ?

What is OpenRAN ? There are many different definition and the scope of definition keep ch
expanding, so it gets more and more difficult to clearly define it. I just want to define it by
meaning of the name. Literally OpenRAN mean 'Open' the 'RAN(Radio Access Network)'. I
is, OpenRAN can be illustrated as below. The issue is to figure out the meaning of 'OPEN' i

The meaning of 'OPEN' in this context can be summarized by a few keywords as listed bel

 Virtualization of RAN components ==> Implementing the components in software

  COTS(Commercial Off-The-Shelf) hardware

OpenRAN is not a thing that is invented overnight. It is the result of gradual evolution of th
This RAN evolution process can be summarized in illustration as shown below. The archite
(E) is what we call OpenRAN.

In the illustration shown above, I used the term 'RAN : Upper' and 'RAN : Lower'. There are
RAN protocol stack into two parts. By 'RAN Upper', I meant the higher layer of RAN protoco
Lower' I mean the lower layer of RAN protocol stack. One example of this kind of split is CU
defined in 3GPP NR specification which can be illustrated below. The RAN Upper correspon
Lower corresponds to DU (NOTE : Check this page for the details of CU-DU separation)
Does OpenRAN mean all Software ?

I think a few keywords for OpenRAN are 'OpenInterface' and 'COTS' hardware. I think as lo
provides all the open interface as specified in industry standards and that can be impleme
general purpose hardwares, I don't think it should be done all in the software. Theoreticall
except ADC/DAC and Antenna can be implemented purely by software. Some of the SDR s
implements all the components except ADC/DAC and Antenna purely by software. Even th
solution is not mandatory for OpenRAN, it looks pretty obvious that OpenRAN solution wou
components in software solution comparing to legacy implementation/deployment.

Why OpenRAN ?

What is the motivation for OpenRAN ? The answer would vary depending on who you ask.
the motivation is as shown below. To me, this seems to be more with respect to business s
different list of motivation with focus on technical aspect as well.

I think the ranking for items in the list may also vary depending on who you ask to and wh
list itself well captured the most of the reasons / motivations for Open RAN.
Source : Open RAN and 5G: Deployment Options and Key Issues for Operators

Followings are list of advantages that industry claims. There might be some you would ag
don't agree with. I am just trying to list as many aspect as possible for brainstorming purp

 Cost savings: OpenRAN can reduce the cost of building and maintaining wireless net
operators to use hardware and software from multiple vendors, which can increase c
reduce prices.

o I think this should be the most important driving force for OpenRAN industry. A
thought that OpenRAN would cost less than the conventional deployment. How
chats with industry players (as of late 2022) I learned that the situation is not
It seems that the conventional deployment has been very mature and optimiz
cost issues but the components of OpenRAN is not as cost effective as claimed
due to performance issue, we need to use very high quality network equipmen
deployment and the cost of those components is even higher than the counte
conventional deployment.

 Increased innovation: By allowing different vendors to provide components for the n

encourage innovation and new technologies in the industry.

 Greater flexibility: OpenRAN can allow operators to customize their networks and ad
technologies and user demands more easily.

 Better security: OpenRAN can potentially improve security by enabling operators to

security technologies from different vendors and integrate them into their networks

 Reduced vendor lock-in: In traditional RAN deployments, operators are often locked
and software from a single vendor. This can make it difficult to switch vendors or ma
network. OpenRAN, on the other hand, allows operators to use components from diff
 can reduce the risk of vendor lock-in.

 Increased competition: OpenRAN can increase competition in the industry by allowin

enter the market and offer innovative solutions. This can lead to more choice for op
lower prices for consumers.

 Support for new technologies: OpenRAN can help to support new technologies and s
and virtualization. By enabling operators to mix and match components from differe
can facilitate the deployment of these new technologies and accelerate their adopti

 Support for rural and remote areas: OpenRAN can be particularly beneficial for oper
remote areas. By using low-cost, standardized hardware and software, OpenRAN can
deploy wireless networks in areas where traditional RAN solutions may be too expen
implement.

 Open standards: OpenRAN is based on open standards, which can help to ensure int
different components and reduce the risk of vendor lock-in. This can promote a mor
competitive ecosystem for wireless networks.

 Improved network efficiency: OpenRAN can potentially improve network efficiency b

optimize their networks using best-of-breed components from different vendors. Thi
efficient use of network resources, improved network performance, and better quali

 Simplified network management: OpenRAN can simplify network management by p

standardized interface for different network components. This can make it easier for
their networks and reduce the complexity of their operations.

 Scalability: OpenRAN can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing network dem
standard hardware and software components, OpenRAN can provide a flexible and s
can be adapted to meet the needs of different operators.

 Increased collaboration: OpenRAN can encourage collaboration between different pl

including operators, vendors, and software developers. By promoting open standard
OpenRAN can create a more collaborative ecosystem for wireless networks, which c
innovation and better solutions for users.

 Environmental benefits: OpenRAN can potentially have environmental benefits by re

e-waste generated by traditional RAN deployments. By using standardized hardware
be easily upgraded or replaced, OpenRAN can reduce the need for costly and enviro
hardware upgrades.

Challenges for OpenRAN

Even though OpenRAN solution evolves rapidelny and is getting stronger attention, there
for OpenRAN.
Performance Issue : Whenever you are trying to talke about OpenRAN implementation, on
challenges you would get would be performance issue. But depending on specific use case
type, you may say 'we don't have performance issue any more' or you should say 'we still
the openRAN system meets the performance requirement'.

OpenRAN networks may not be able to match the performance or reliability of traditional R
example, using software-based components may introduce latency or other performance
need to be addressed through careful design and testing

 As of end of 2021, it seems that OpenRAN performance already reaches to the point
network with relatively small number of frequency support and not much requireme
area, and we even see the working example like Rakuten. But it is not yet at the poi
performance requirement that are needed for multi carrier aggregation, Massive MIM

Lack of Common Standard : I think Open RAN specification has been matured greatly, but
mature as or as agreed upon in the industry as 3GPP.

 The development of these standards can be complex and time-consuming, and ther
disagreements between different stakeholders over the direction and scope of the s

 As of end of 2021, I think OpenRAN specification from O-RAN Allience would be at th

terms of specification but I am not sure if it is the only specification that every playe
3GPP. For Fronthaual specification, it seems most of OpenRAN players tries to suppo
specification(7.2x split). I think most of the players would be likely to agree upon O
specification on CU/DU definition and interface since the same specification are ado
allience and 3GPP. But I am not sure how most of industry players are thinking of oth
OpenRAN architecture.

Interoperability: OpenRAN requires interoperability between components from different ve

challenging to achieve. There is a risk that different vendors may interpret the standards d
compatibility issues and delays in deployment.

Integration: OpenRAN requires integration between different components of the network,

core network, and the management system. Integrating these different components can b
consuming, particularly when working with components from different vendors.

 Sometimes it is suggested to employ a third party to do this job. It may be a good id

would introduce additional cost.

Security: OpenRAN introduces new security risks, as it involves using components from m
of whom may have different security protocols or standards. Ensuring the security of Open
require careful planning and coordination between vendors and operators.

Cost: While OpenRAN has the potential to reduce costs over the long term, there may be a
associated with deploying and integrating components from different vendors. There may
costs associated with training personnel on how to operate and maintain OpenRAN netwo

 This would sound a little bit counter intuitive since 'Reduced Cost' has been mention
strongest motivation for OpenRAN. But in reality, openRAN may not be as effective a
cost, at least for the period of eary adoption.

Immaturity: OpenRAN is a relatively new technology and is still in the early stages of deve
risk that some components may not be fully mature or may not meet the required standa
in deployment or issues with network performance.

Vendor support: In order for OpenRAN to be successful, it requires the support of a broad e
including hardware providers, software developers, and systems integrators. If vendors ar
in developing OpenRAN solutions or if they do not see a viable business case for it, adopti

Regulatory environment: The regulatory environment may pose challenges to the adoptio
particularly in countries where there are strict regulations around network security or vend
Addressing these regulatory issues may require collaboration between vendors, operators

Legacy systems: Many operators have existing RAN deployments that may not be compat
Integrating these legacy systems with OpenRAN may be challenging, and may require add
order to upgrade or replace existing infrastructure.