Home > News > featured news > O-RAN ALLIANCE Announces New Specifications, 3rd Global Plugfest and New Demonstrations of O-RAN Technology

Application Infrastructure

O-RAN ALLIANCE Announces New Specifications, 3rd Global Plugfest and New Demonstrations of O-RAN Technology

O-RAN ALLIANCE | October 22, 2021

O-RAN ALLIANCE has released another set of technical specifications for open RAN published since July 2021. Initial versions of nine technical specifications comprise:

O-RAN Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) Architecture
Near-Real-Time RIC and E2 Interface: Use Cases and Requirements v1.0
O-RAN E2 Service Model: RAN Control (E2SM-RC) v1.0
O-RAN O1 Interface specification for O-CU-UP and O-CU-CP towards the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework
O-RAN Acceleration Abstraction Layer FEC Profiles
Infrastructure management services of the O2 interface
O-Cloud Notification API Specification for Event Consumers
O-RAN Xhaul Transport Testing Specification
O-RAN Security Requirements Specifications

Another 39 technical documents bring extensions and new features to the existing specifications. All new specifications will soon be available on our website. To learn more, please read our blog post.

3rd O-RAN ALLIANCE Global Plugfest Underway with 77 companies at 7 venues

O-RAN ALLIANCE’s 3rd Global Plugfest has been in progress since summer 2021. 77 companies perform testing, integration or proofs of concept in 7 venues around the world. Technical work is planned to continue till the end of November 2021, with subsequent presentations of the results in our Plugfest Virtual Showcase.

18 demos of O-RAN technology prepared for MWC Los Angeles 2021 or the O-RAN Virtual Exhibition

Five O-RAN demonstrations are planned to be presented at the MWC Los Angeles 2021.

Parallel Wireless demonstrates its Open RAN, ALL G - 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, O-RAN compliant software platform showcasing an open, secure, and intelligent RAN architecture to deliver wireless connectivity, enabling people to be connected whenever, wherever, and however they choose. Visit the demo at South 2505Ex.

VMware Telco Cloud Platform RAN, powered by Dell EMC PowerEdge server and Intel FlexRAN, delivers flexibility to open RAN. The demo showcases the platform’s horizontal design and automation capabilities with 3 simple steps to deploy and programmatically provision the platform with Kubernetes to run Altiostar’s vRAN functions. Visit the demo at Booth 1210.

VMware demonstrates the power of VMware RIC SDKs, enabling its partners to accelerate the development of their xApp/rApp; creating a vibrant application ecosystem. We bring the intelligence and innovation to the RAN faster. Visit the demo at Booth 1210.

Northeastern University showcases how Colosseum can be used to (i) instantiate a fully programmable end-to-end network controlled by O-RAN-compliant near-real-time RIC; (ii) collect performance datasets from the RAN, and (iii) implement AI-based control of the RAN through xApps and programmable software stacks. Visit the demo at Booth 1444.

Cohere Technologies and VMware demonstrate how Cohere’s 5G MU-MIMO Spectrum Multiplier xApp running on VMware RIC controls multiple UEs simultaneously in the same time and frequency slots to drastically boost capacity. Visit us to learn how we successfully demonstrated these technologies to a major European operator. Visit the demo at Booth 1210.

13 more virtual demos for MWC Los Angeles 2021 have enriched the O-RAN Virtual Exhibition:

MiTAC demonstrates a private 5G E2E O-RAN solution with O1 Interface based on 3rd Generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors and integrated with an indoor O-RU which supports MIMO and 4T4R via Open Front Haul Interface.

CIG and partners demonstrate an open 5G small cell solution. The E2E solution comprises O-CU and O-DU in one O-DU box, with L2/L3 SW, L1 SW and HW from different vendors. Both O-DU and O-RU are designed with COTS components and open interfaces. A fronthaul gateway is also available as part of the open solution.

IPLOOK demonstrates a full stack cloud-native and container-based system of end-to-end 4G/5G converged mobile core solution for operators and enterprises.

STL demonstrated 5G Small Cell Split 7.2 O-RU (GARUDA) Interworking with ASOCS 5G NR SA Evaluation Kit (Cyrus 2.0), based on O-RAN IoT profiles. The setup included STL O-RU and ASOCS EVK (DU, CU, Core VM and CPE). The scenarios demonstrated PDU session establishment (registration procedure), followed by CUS-plane and M-plane connectivity.

University of Utah showcases O-RAN-based, xApp-controlled RAN slicing using the experiment workflows in the POWDER platform. We combine O-RAN with an open-source mobility stack, provide a top-to-bottom RAN application via the RIC, and deploy in a realistic wireless environment. This software is open-source and packaged in POWDER to enable further experimentation.

IS-Wireless showcases the next level of software disaggregation in 5G OpenRAN with protocol layers working as independent VNFs on various computing platforms: O-DU VNF/CNF on Edge Cloud (COTS HW), O-CU VNF on Core/Regional Cloud. The company achieved E2E connectivity on 5G with split option 7.2 and option 2.

Dell Technologies is working with an open ecosystem of partners to develop validated solutions. Together with Intel, VMware, Mavenir, Dell has developed a cloud-native Open RAN reference architecture available as a technology preview. The reference architecture offers a complete solution deployed on Dell EMC PowerEdge XR11, XR12 and R750 servers.

Rohde & Schwarz provides an explanation and demo about the measurement of roundtrip latency on IP layer in O-RAN and legacy networks. The IP layer is the basis for the application layer latency. Real-time and interactive applications are rapidly increasing. These applications need to be supported by 5G and other technologies. A latency comparison over different network types can be achieved.

VIAVI demonstrates the power of test case libraries to accelerate validation of disaggregated network performance, interoperability and security according to O-RAN defined test specifications. The TM500 UE Emulator Test Case Libraries leverage unmatched TM500 functional coverage and VIAVI expertise. Network performance is validated using extensive KPI monitoring and automated log analysis to quickly indicate compliance with the O-RAN test specifications.

Keysight and Auray partner in Auray OTIC and Security Lab for Certification and Badging of O-RAN solutions by performing Conformance Test, IOT Test and E2E Test services based on corresponding test solutions with a comprehensive mechanism ensuring openness, interoperability and conformity of O-RAN solutions from ecosystem players for both operators and vendor community.

Keysight Technologies showcases the Performance Benchmarking Solution (PBM) that directly controls Real UEs across device models and chipsets to automatically conduct tests as defined in TIFG E2E test specifications in both lab and field in a multi-vendor O-RAN environment.

CMCC and Inspur demonstrate a QoE assurance application deployed on the Near-RT RIC, providing the capabilities of QoE aware and intelligent RAN Control by collecting RAN measurements as well as sending control command (e.g., maximum MCS configuration) through E2 interface. This demo is validated in some industry scenarios.

Juniper Networks and VIAVI Solutions demonstrate successful transport of Open Fronthaul over a packet-switched network. Juniper's ACX Series routers, used as CSR/HSR, provide fronthaul transport connectivity. VIAVI's O-RU and O-DU emulators generate O-RAN compliant Open Fronthaul traffic (CU and M-plane), while VIAVI’s MTS-5800 fronthaul tester verifies the fronthaul transport/sync network.

About O-RAN ALLIANCE
The O-RAN ALLIANCE is a world-wide community of more than 300 mobile operators, vendors, and research & academic institutions operating in the Radio Access Network (RAN) industry. As the RAN is an essential part of any mobile network, the O-RAN ALLIANCE’s mission is to re-shape the industry towards more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks. The new O-RAN standards will enable a more competitive and vibrant RAN supplier ecosystem with faster innovation to improve user experience. O-RAN based mobile networks will at the same time improve the efficiency of RAN deployments as well as operations by the mobile operators. To achieve this, the O-RAN ALLIANCE publishes new RAN specifications, releases open software for the RAN, and supports its members in integration and testing of their implementations.

Spotlight

Transport Networks for 5G

5G deployments continue their upward trend and will soon be the dominant mobile wireless protocol deployed in North America. The ecosystem is gathering valuable information from these deployments, and one area of focus is the transport network. As part of 5G’s evolution, key architecture components are being separated and distributed to the cloud in ways that make 5G more scalable and flexible. Meanwhile, bandwidth demands continue to increase at the same time applications and services require low latency. New requirements are presented to the transport network at each step of an operator’s 5G journey. The transport infrastructure of today must be flexible to adapt to upcoming requirements as it enables new architectures, tools, and ultimately, 5G networks innovation, monetization, and performance. The fundamental goal of the 5G transport network is to deliver transparent connectivity that allows both present and future functions to work together seamlessly.

More featured news

Spotlight

Transport Networks for 5G

Related News

Application Storage, Windows Server OS

Accelevation Holdings, LLC Acquires Instor Solutions Ltd - Forming the USA's Largest, Integrated Data Center Services Solutions Provider

prnewswire | August 02, 2023

Accelevation Holdings, LLC, a vertically integrated group of manufacturing companies serving the data center, electric vehicle, and robotic markets, has acquired Instor Solutions Ltd, a comprehensive, mission-critical solutions provider, for an undisclosed sum. Through the acquisition, Accelevation will integrate Instor's data center white space installation and project management expertise with its data center containment and caging solutions business, Conatech, to form the Accelevation Data Center Business Unit. The acquisition has established a new, vertically integrated data center business unit comprising both brands to create a single, customer-facing entity and forming the USA's largest integrated data center services solutions provider. Together, the Accelevation Data Center Business Unit will solve key challenges for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise customers, including faster product design, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities, with dedicated white space integration, services, and project management expertise. By combining both leading brands, Accelevation has created the only organization within the U.S. market capable of providing fully integrated, data center infrastructure product manufacturing, with self-performing, fit-up solutions design, and project delivery. The companies comprehensive services offering will propel hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center operators to benefit from industry-leading speed and efficiency – offering enhanced value throughout the entire life cycle and delivering world-class data center environments at accelerated pace and scale. Through its integrated sales, manufacturing, and operations teams, for example, Conatech's customers now have immediate access to the data center white space design, build, and integration services that Instor has built its world-leading reputation on. In turn, Instor has secured unparalleled access to the vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities used by Accelevation to produce its Conatech data center products. "By combining Instor's white space design and services expertise with Conatech's manufacturing and product capabilities, the Accelevation Data Center Business Unit is uniquely positioned to serve and support the data center market as it fulfils its growth potential," said Sam Prudhomme, President, Data Center Business Unit, Accelevation Holdings. "Our customers recognize that together, we're better - empowering them to grow at unprecedented speed and scale, and at the pace the market demands. Importantly, our shared values and methodological approach will ensure we continue to treat our customers the way they want to be treated, setting a new standard for integrated data center solutions and services, globally." Accelevation President and CEO, Michael Rubiera, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Instor to the Accelevation portfolio of innovative companies. Combining Instor's 40+ sales and project management professionals to our Accelevation portfolio creates one of the most comprehensive and all-encompassing solution providers of data center products and installations in the world. We couldn't be more excited about the possibilities and growth this acquisition provides." About Accelevation, LLC Accelevation is a vertically integrated group of manufacturing companies serving the data center, electric vehicle and robotic markets. The organization's mission is to build businesses and work cultures that positively impact employees, their families, their community and their customers. At its core, Accelevation understands that it is their responsibility to plot a course for a more mindful way of doing business.

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure, Windows Systems and Network, IT Systems Management

NetActuate Releases the 8th Generation of its Platform, Offering Streamlined, Intuitive Management of Complex Global Deployments

PRWeb | August 14, 2023

NetActuate, a leading provider of global infrastructure and network services, has announced today the release of the eighth generation of its global platform. Existing customers can now experience powerful new features for streamlined self-service management of their global deployments. The new release builds on NetActuate's years of experience operating self-service cloud and networking platforms. The eighth version incorporates an intuitive, robust UI that enables greater insight and visibility across a range of infrastructure and network services. From virtual servers to bare metal and colocation, the new platform allows for easier monitoring and optimization, as well as greater self-service options than ever before. "We couldn't be prouder of the work done by our development and engineering teams to deliver the eighth generation of our platform," said Mark Mahle, CEO of NetActuate. "From the data center up, we have always had full control over our entire stack. This allows us to innovate at all levels to deliver numerous improvements for our customers." Inside the new platform, users can intuitively and easily manage their entire global deployment. From spinning up new virtual servers, to monitoring bandwidth in the data center, NetActuate customers now have more control than ever before, right at their fingertips. "Unlike other companies in this space, NetActuate is truly engineering-led," said Mark Price, Vice President of Infrastructure. "Our development and engineering teams worked hand-in-hand to rework the entire platform experience for end users, and add in powerful new capabilities wherever we could." Anycast customers now have powerful new tools for node management. From adding and removing locations instantly, to enabling them to see their entire anycast network at-a-glance, network optimization is now easier than ever. About NetActuate NetActuate is a leading provider of highly available, low latency custom network and infrastructure services that reach every major global market. From the datacenter to the last mile, we help providers take their products and services to the global edge faster. Our customers can rapidly scale without fear of high costs or devastating performance issues. We built one of the world's largest global networks by number of peers, and it serves as the foundation for our performance BGP anycast platform that powers over 25 billion transactions a day.

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure, Windows Systems and Network

Midas Immersion Cooling to Supply 200 MW of Leading-Edge Immersion Cooling Equipment Solutions to Riot Platforms, Inc.

prnewswire | July 20, 2023

Midas Immersion Cooling, LLC ("Midas Immersion" or "Midas"), an industry leader in immersion cooling technology solutions for Bitcoin ("BTC") miners and Data Centers, with the largest deployed single-phase immersion cooling capacity of any manufacturer, announced today that it has entered into a long-term supply agreement (the "Agreement") with Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) ("Riot"), an industry leader in BTC mining and Data Center hosting. Under the Agreement, Midas has secured an initial order of 200 megawatts (MW) of its latest generation of immersion cooling systems, as well as associated equipment and adiabatic coolers for Riot's Corsicana, Texas, operations. Midas designed the ASICE 2.0 immersion cooling systems in Texas, for manufacture in North America. The Agreement provides delivery of the new immersion cooling systems by the end of 2023. Upon commissioning, the initial 200 MW of immersion cooling systems will bring the total deployed capacity of Midas immersion cooling systems to over 500 MW (0.5 GW). Under the Agreement, Midas has also granted Riot the option to purchase up to 400 MW of additional ASICE 2.0 immersion cooling systems and ancillary equipment from Midas, on the same terms as the initial order. Assuming full exercise of Riot's option, the total worldwide deployed capacity of Midas immersion cooling systems would be in excess of 900 MW, upon commissioning. Riot may exercise the option, in whole or in part, through December 31, 2024. "Midas is pleased to announce this landmark deal to continue as a trusted supplier to Riot," said Scott Sickmiller, CEO of Midas. "We remain committed to offering the best engineering, equipment performance, and customer support among immersion cooling providers." "Riot is pleased to partner with Midas Immersion for our Corsicana Facility," said Jason Les, CEO of Riot. "Partnering with Midas will enhance Riot's approach in diversifying our immersion capabilities to ensure efficiency across our mining infrastructure, prolonging the life of our miners, while also increasing our ability to maintain low cost of power by eliminating the need for costly forced-air cooling." About Midas Immersion Cooling Midas Immersion Cooling is a leader in engineering design and integration of single-phase immersion cooling equipment solutions for ASIC miners and data servers. Midas Immersion's patented cooling tanks increase miner and server density, decrease power consumption, and significantly reduce cooling and infrastructure costs compared to traditional air-cooled environments. About Riot Platforms, Inc. Riot's vision is to be the world's leading Bitcoin-driven infrastructure platform. Our mission is to positively impact the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows the Company to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes. Riot is a Bitcoin mining and digital infrastructure company focused on a vertically integrated strategy. The Company has data center hosting operations in central Texas, Bitcoin mining operations in central Texas, and electrical switchgear engineering and fabrication operations in Denver, Colorado.