Understanding O-RAN
Open RAN or O-RAN is a vastly popular term in the 5G network world. It deals with the interoperability of open hardware, software, and interfaces for cellular wireless networks. The goal is to allow the use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) servers and network equipment as opposed to customer hardware similar to those used in the base stations. In other words, O-RAN is a movement to standardize and allow for the interoperability of RAN’s building blocks (https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/solutions/o-ran).
O-RAN provides flexibility for operators to mix and match vendor equipment and not get locked into particular propriety hardware, software, and interfaces. See Figure 12.8:
Figure 12.8 – A simplified view of O-RAN
O-RAN promotes a more vibrant supply chain ecosystem for 5G compared to its predecessors due to the use of open standards for communication. This adds agility to the innovation process for the network...
