5G • RAN
Open RAN (O-RAN)
Open Radio Access Network Architecture
An architectural movement disaggregating RAN hardware and software using open, standardized interfaces and cloud-native intelligence.
Technical Explanation
Defined by the O-RAN ALLIANCE and 3GPP, Open RAN decomposes proprietary base station architectures into multi-vendor interoperable components: O-RU (Radio Unit), O-DU (Distributed Unit), O-CU-CP (Centralized Unit Control Plane), and O-CU-UP (User Plane). The interfaces connecting these units (such as Open Fronthaul 7-2x, F1, and E2) are standardized. Intelligent control is embedded through RAN Intelligent Controllers (Near-RT RIC and Non-RT RIC) running AI-driven xApps and rApps.
Key Functions
- Multi-vendor interoperability across radio hardware and baseband software
- Open Fronthaul Interface (O-RAN 7-2x functional split over eCPRI)
- RAN virtualization (vRAN) running on standard COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) servers
- AI/ML automated optimization via Near-RT and Non-RT RIC
Specifications
O-RAN Alliance Specifications, 3GPP TS 38.401
Interfaces
Open Fronthaul (7-2x)F1-C / F1-UE1E2A1O1
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