The introduction of Open RAN is the final piece of the unbundling puzzle that enables mobile network operators to use equipment from multiple vendors and still ensure interoperability.
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To understand Open RAN, it is useful to first have a high-level understanding of how networks work and how they have evolved through the various generations.
The mobile, or cellular/wireless network comprises two domains: the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Core Network (Core).
The RAN is the final link between the network and the . It is the visible piece and includes the antennae we see on towers, on top of buildings, or in stadia, plus the base stations. When we make a call or connect to a remote server e.g., to watch a YouTube video, the antenna transmits and receives signals to and from our phones or other hand-held devices. The signal is then digitalized in the RAN base station and connected to the network.
The Core has many functions. It provides access controls ensuring users are authenticated for the services they are using, it routes calls over the public switched network, it enables operators to charge for calls and data use, and it connects users to the rest of the world via the Internet. It also controls the network by making handovers happen as a user moves from coverage provided by one RAN tower to the next.
Cellular networks have evolved rapidly since they were first digitized to create 2G and each new generation has seen a step-change in technical complexity.
Whilst it was always possible for operators to have one vendor for their core network and a separate vendor for the RAN, interoperability between RAN equipment from different vendors was deprioritized at the expense of adding overall functional capability. As a result, with current solutions, it is difficult to mix vendors for the radio and baseband unit, and in most cases, they come from the same supplier.
Multi-vendor implementation and standardization between specified interfaces have been commonplace for example with radio and core network providers in the same network for decades. Open RAN looks to change this and enable operators to mix and match components and goes one step further by opening the interfaces inside the base station.
As the equipment-makers enhanced the capabilities, the industry consolidated around those with the strongest offer and often proprietary functionality. But operators today want a more diverse ecosystem of vendors and are redefining their requirements for the network architecture, especially in the RAN.
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In an Open RAN environment, the RAN is disaggregated into three main building blocks:
The RU is where the radio frequency signals are transmitted, received, amplified, and digitized. The RU is located near or integrated into, the antenna. The DU and CU are the computation parts of the base station, sending the digitalized radio signal into the network. The DU is physically located at or near the RU whereas the CU can be located nearer the Core.
The key concept of Open RAN is “opening” the protocols and interfaces between these various building blocks (radios, hardware, and software) in the RAN. The O-RAN ALLIANCE has defined different interfaces within the RAN including those for:
Another feature of Open RAN is the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) which adds programmability to the RAN.
An open environment expands the ecosystem, and with more vendors providing the building blocks, there is more innovation and more options for the Operators. They can also add new services. For example, Artificial Intelligence can be introduced via the RIC to optimize the network in the vicinity of a football stadium on a match day.
Whilst Virtualization of the RAN is not the same as Open RAN, it can be deployed in conjunction and makes the RAN much more flexible. What was done in hardware can now be done in software which reduces entry barriers into the market. The DU and CU are effectively computers running software. Instead of using custom hardware, they can now be virtualized and run on any Cloud Server, as long as it is near the base station to reduce latency. Nokia calls this Cloud RAN and its software is the same as which runs on bespoke hardware to ensure feature parity and facilitate maintenance of the releases. Nokia offers a full portfolio of solutions to mobile operators including a cloud computing hardware platform (Nokia AirFrame Open Edge) and software. An operator can also use alternative cloud computing hardware from a different vendor and run Nokia’s Cloud RAN software on it.
Nokia is a supporter of Open RAN and was the first major telco equipment vendor to join the O-RAN ALLIANCE. Global mobile operators are pushing for open, intelligent, virtualized, and fully interoperable RAN solutions. Governments are looking to O-RAN as a way to introduce new suppliers to their market and drive local 5G innovation. More market diversity is likely to accelerate this. New open and disaggregated architectures, software, and hardware such as Open RAN, gives operators the flexibility to extend 5G to more users in a cost-effective, secure, and energy-efficient way. Nokia sees this flexibility as a way to stimulate greater innovation across industries in areas such as telemedicine and smart factories.
Key Insights About Radio Remote Unit (RRU): The Radio Remote Unit (RRU) is a critical component in modern cellular networks. It connects the operator's network to User Equipment (UE) like mobile phones, enabling seamless communication. Here's a breakdown of its role and significance: Why "Distributed and Integrated"? Traditionally, cellular systems used standalone Base Stations (BTS) installed indoors. Today, the architecture is distributed, with BBUs (Baseband Units) and RRUs installed closer to antennas, such as on towers. Key Functions of RRU: Acts as a Transceiver: Transmits and receives signals between the user and base station. Connectivity Support: Manages power, delay, and other parameters for seamless UE connectivity. Signal Processing: Processes electromagnetic (EM) signals received from antennas. Physical Link Interface: Bridges optical (fiber) and EM (radio) links. Auxiliary Equipment Control: Supports devices like RCUs for Remote Electrical Tilt (RET). Signal Generation: Generates VSWR, RET, and ACT signals for monitoring and control. Hardware Overview: CPRI Port: Typically two ports (CPRI0, CPRI1) for connecting to the BBU. Uses a bidirectional Fiber optic link (Common Public Radio Interface protocol). RF Port: Connects to antennas via jumper cables. Includes dedicated Tx (transmit) and Tx/Rx (transmit/receive) ports. RET Port: Connects to the Remote Control Unit (RCU) via RET cables. Often uses a DB9 connector (e.g., Huawei models). Power Supply Port: Operates at -48V. Typically uses blue (-) and black (0) connectors. Ground Port: Provides surge and voltage protection using copper ground cables connected to a nearby bus bar. Advantages of RRU Deployment: Reduces coaxial cable losses. Increases system efficiency. Simplifies site construction and upgrades. By integrating RRUs, cellular networks achieve better performance, scalability, and adaptability to new technologies.
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