Transition Towards Open and Interoperable Networks

This paper discusses a popular topic in wireless cellular communications today – Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). Starting with the introduction, Transition Towards Open and Interoperable Networks highlights key architecture aspects focused on disaggregating software from hardware and open interfaces to allow multivendor interoperability. After a brief look at various ecosystem bodies involved with Open RAN, there is an overview of various global operator trials and deployments taking place, as well as a discussion on key motivations and challenges that operators face as they consider the move from a traditional proprietary network to a multi-vendor Open RAN platform. Finally, the paper looks at the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) initiatives in enabling Open RAN architectures and associated functions for Self Organizing Networks (SON), management, orchestration and automation to meet the variety of use cases for 5G and beyond.