O-RAN and RIC Compliant Solutions for Next Generation Networks

The Radio Access Network (RAN) is undergoing deep changes in the transition to beyond 5G systems. The Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) alliance aims to split the RAN architecture and support heterogeneity. At the same time, Open-Source Software (OSS) solutions like OpenAirInterface and srsRAN initiatives attempt to incorporate several stake-holders. This work proposes an End-to-End (E2E) orchestration framework using OSS solutions that are O-RAN compliant. A high-level architecture is presented focused on the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC): the connection between Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) with Service Management and Orchestration via the A1 interface and the connection with O-RAN Network Functions (E2 Nodes) via the E2 interface. The proposed architecture was validated on an experimental prototype. The main results compare state of the art OSS solutions status for deploying Near-RT RIC and RAN network functions. Our findings focused on the RAN functions interoperability with the RIC.