Open radio access network (ORAN) is poised to revolutionise the telecommunications industry by separating software from hardware and digital from analogue, breaking away from the traditional closed systems provided by vendors. This innovation has enhanced adaptability, cost-efficiency and vendor diversity in mobile networks. In the past, traditional network architectures were proprietary and monolithic, limiting flexibility and increasing costs. ORAN addresses these challenges by promoting open, interoperable interfaces and decoupling hardware and software components.

In addition, the ORAN architecture encourages innovation by creating a competitive environment where multiple vendors can contribute to the development of network solutions. This approach accelerates the introduction of new technologies and features, ensuring that 5G networks remain at the cutting edge of performance and functionality. ORAN’s adaptability and cost-efficiency make it an essential development in the race to harness emerging technologies, promising to redefine the future of mobile networks and connectivity.

Global adoption trends

ORAN fosters innovation through a multi vendor ecosystem, enabling faster adoption of new features. It also offers flexibility and scalability, allowing operators to upgrade components without overhauling entire systems. One of the benefits driving this global trend is cost efficiency, as ORAN reduces capital and operational expenditures by using commoditised hardware and eliminating vendor lock-in. Enhanced network performance is another advantage, as operators can optimise network performance with tailored solutions, improving service quality and user experience.

As of 2024, ORAN technology is experiencing significant global adoption, driven by the demand for more flexible, cost-effective and innovative 5G solutions. Telecommunication operators in Europe, Asia and North America are leading this integration to transform network operations.

In Europe, telecom operators such as Deutsche Telekom, Orange and Telefonica are conducting extensive ORAN trials and commercial deployments, supported by the European Union’s funding and policies. These operators are collaborating with multiple vendors to ensure seamless integration of ORAN components into their existing networks.

Further, in Asia, telcos such as Rakuten Mobile (Japan) have set a benchmark with its fully virtualised, cloud-native 5G network based on ORAN principles. In India, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio are actively exploring ORAN to enhance network capabilities and reduce dependence on traditional vendors.

Furthermore, Dish Network (USA), has been constructing 5G networks using ORAN technologies. The US government’s efforts to promote supply chain diversification and reduce reliance on specific foreign vendors are further accelerating ORAN adoption.

Next-gen automation enablers of ORAN

Cloud-native automation tools such as zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), cloud automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enable the development of agile, flexible and efficient applications in dynamic ORAN environments. Some features of these automation enablers include:

ZTP

ZTP plays a crucial role in ORAN by automating the integration and management of diverse RAN components and services, thereby eliminating the need for manual configuration and optimisation tasks.

Meanwhile, by optimising resource allocation and promoting vendor-neutral solutions, ZTP reduces operational costs and supports the evolution from traditional hardware-centric RANs to highly efficient, modern virtualised RAN and ORAN architectures.

Moreover, embracing ZTP allows network operators to deliver superior user experiences and stay ahead of evolving market demands in the telecommunications landscape.

CI/CD

CI/CD has a significant role in ORAN. It has introduced automation throughout the entire life cycle of RAN software development, from testing to deployment. CI involves merging developers’ working code into a shared mainline several times a day, with each merge validated to uncover issues, while CD ensures that software can be reliably released and deployed in short cycles. This approach allows operators to receive security updates and fixes more quickly and efficiently, leading to faster, more frequent and reliable software releases into production networks.

In addition, by enabling predictable, on-demand deployments without waiting for official upgrade cycles, CI/CD allows RAN software to be delivered and deployed seamlessly, enhancing network performance and agility. Integrating CI/CD into RAN deployments helps operators manage multinode complex environments.

Meanwhile, CI/CD ensures that pre tested software changes can be quickly and safely deployed, driving constant innovation and optimal RAN performance for subscribers.

For instance, Telefonica has hosted a testing lab focused on implementing a CI/CD framework for ORAN at its research and development labs in Madrid, Spain. One of the fundamental architecture principles is aligning development and operational responsibilities across all hardware and software vendors to drive collaboration and innovation. Therefore, this platform is open by default, scalable and fully automated.

Virtualisation

Virtualisation enhances the flexibility and scalability of ORAN, aiding resource management. It enables the decoupling of hardware and software components, allowing for the deployment of virtualised network functions on standard servers and reducing reliance on proprietary hardware.

This separation facilitates the use of cloud-native tools and processes, supporting dynamic allocation of resources and real-time adjustments based on user demand. Network virtualisation through ORAN improves resource management by enabling centralised control and automation using software-defined networking, optimising performance and reducing operational costs. The adoption of open standards and interoperability fosters innovation and simplifies integration.

AI/ML

AI/ML are integral to ORAN deployments, offering real-time analytics, predictive maintenance, fault detection and dynamic resource allocation, leading to more efficient and reliable network operations. AI and ML play a pivotal role in ORAN by optimising resource management and automating operations within both non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (non-RT RIC) and near real-time RIC (near-RT RIC) platforms. Unlike conventional RAN control, AI allows mobile network operators (MNOs) to detect and forecast quality of service degradation in real time, proactively adjusting network resources to prevent issues and optimise efficiency. Moreover, as ORAN continues to evolve, it has proven beneficial in overcoming market disruptions and gaining interest from various stakeholders.

For instance, the Global System for Mobile Communications [GSMA] Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, with members including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Nokia and T-Mobile, has launched the AI-RAN alliance that aims to integrate AI into cellular technology to advance RAN and mobile networks for 5G and 6G. The alliance focuses on three research areas, namely, AI for RAN, AI and RAN, and AI on RAN, targeting enhanced network efficiency, reduced power consumption and new economic opportunities.

Big data analytics

Data analytics deployed as rApps within the non-RT RIC leverages big data to provide a comprehensive view of network conditions. It offers visual representations of network patterns and anomalies, enabling MNOs to identify and address issues to enhance network performance for improved user experiences. This includes analysing AI data and generating reports on the effectiveness of ML in optimising network operations. Moreover, enhanced openness and robust application programming interface between vendors and MNOs are crucial for maximising the potential of data analytics, big data and data mining within the open RAN ecosystem. These analytics tools are essential for MNOs to gain actionable insights into network performance, helping them continuously improve and maintain high quality service for subscribers.

Cloud computing

Cloud RAN represents an architectural evolution in RAN by disaggregating RAN hardware and software, leveraging a cloud-native design to maximise the benefits of the cloud-computing model. Hardware acceleration technology is crucial for cloud RAN performance, enabling physical industries to embrace digital transformation. While digital industries such as online retail, media and banking are ahead in digitalisation, 5G cloud RAN bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, supporting industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, logistics, mining and energy with private wireless connectivity.

Further, by separating the RAN baseband software from the hardware, cloud RAN enables the baseband software to run on commercial off-the-shelf hardware using cloud-native tools and processes. This flexibility allows RAN software to be deployed on-site, in a cloud service provider-owned data centre, or on a hyperscaler public cloud, facilitating efficient and scalable network management.

For example, companies such as O2 Telefonica (Germany) and Ericsson have collaborated to deploy cloud RAN supporting 5G standalone in Offenbach, Germany, in 2024. This initiative leverages virtualisation and cloud technologies to enhance flexibility, service delivery and network scalability. The deployment will enable new services and customer experiences, explore new business models and enhance capabilities through centralised components.

Summing up

The future of ORAN beyond 2024 appears highly promising. As the technology advances and more operators adopt its benefits, ORAN is set to become integral to 5G networks. Enhancements in edge computing and network slicing will further boost ORAN’s capabilities, fostering new opportunities for innovation and connectivity.

In addition, the telecom industry’s growing focus on sustainability aligns with ORAN’s principles. By optimising resource use and reducing dependence on proprietary hardware, ORAN will contribute to greener and more sustainable network operations. Further, ORAN’s role in accelerating connectivity through 5G is undeniable, transforming the telecom landscape by promoting openness, flexibility and innovation. As the global adoption of ORAN rises, it will unlock the full potential of 5G, driving technological advancements and enhancing connectivity.

The state of ORAN in 2024 is dynamic and rapidly evolving. With its potential to revolutionise network architecture and operations, ORAN is crucial to the roll-out and optimisation of 5G networks. Ongoing collaboration and innovation among telecom operators, vendors and stakeholders will ensure that ORAN continues to drive connectivity forward. S