HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
Rohde & Schwarz Hong Kong Limited
5G is envisioned to support unprecedented diverse applications and services with extremely heterogeneous performance requirements. Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is a concept based on interoperability and standardization of RAN elements including a unified interconnection standard for white-box hardware from different vendors. O-RAN architecture integrates a modular base station software stack on vendor neutral hardware which allows baseband and radio unit components (namely O-RU, O-DU, O-CU) from various individual suppliers to operate seamlessly together. As the industry consolidated over the last decade, the number of traditional RAN vendors is decreasing. Mobile Network Operators are keen to embrace O-RAN as alternative solution. Industry analysts predict that in 2029 revenue generated from O-RAN will exceed that from traditional RAN. To support ASTRI’s technology roadmap, the project team plans to develop a 5G O-RAN base station solution which includes Open Fronthaul interface (between O-RU and O-DU), F1 interface & 5G FAPI Translator Module (between O-DU and O-CU), and E2 interface (between O-DU and third-party AI RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). The project outcome will be a technology platform in connecting HK and Greater Bay Area(GBA) R&D ecosystem. It will be a platform for universities to do research and experimental verification in area of AI-based RIC. The O-RAN technology will also be further productized through Partnership Research Programme (PRP). FAPI - Functional Application Platform Interface RAN - Radio Access Network O-RAN - Open Radio Access Network O-RU - Open Radio Unit O-DU - Open Distributed Unit O-CU - Open Centralized Unit