O-RAN: Disrupting the Radio Access Network Through Openness and Innovation | IEEE Communications Society
Registration closes on 31 January 2023 at 5:00pm EST
$279 IEEE ComSoc member
$349 IEEE member
$459 non-member
CEU Credits: 0.7 CEUs
Course Description
Open RAN, and particularly the O-RAN standardized by the O-RAN Alliance, is currently one of the hottest topics in the area of wireless mobile communications. O-RAN promises considerable OPEX and CAPEX savings for mobile network operators (MNOs), fostering innovation and competition in the Radio Access Network (RAN) through open interfaces, virtualization, and architecture developments that maximize the potential for innovating RAN solutions and services provided by a multitude of companies.
This course provides first an overview of the current 3GPP-based RAN architecture, covering different deployment options such as D-RAN, C-RAN, and V-RAN. In this context, RAN splitting options are discussed, focusing on the higher and lower layer split (HLS and LLS, respectively). Following that, the limitations and overheads resulting from the proprietary aspects of the 3GPP-based non-open RAN solutions are analyzed, setting the ground for the presentation of the O-RAN framework.
The O-RAN proposal is first introduced through the presentation of the relevant standardization effort, the eco-system, the involved parties, and the current deployment status. Next, the technical aspects of the O-RAN are analyzed, including the architecture, interfaces, software and hardware aspects and the role of virtualization. Detailed analysis of the role of the RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC) is provided, explaining how the architecture of the RICs opens the RAN to innovative solutions and features. Finally, the instructor presents case studies from early O-RAN adopters, summarizing the main findings from these early deployments and discussing potential O-RAN challenges and threats.
Why You Should Take This Course
If you want to understand how O-RAN influences current developments in the industry, how it is expected to unleash innovation and what opportunities it offers, then this course is for you. The course is designed to help you develop a robust understanding of the subject matter in a very short period. Watch a short video in which instructor Padelis Balis discusses what will be covered in this course.
Who Should Attend
This course will be of particular interest to mobile network operators (MNOs), RAN hardware/software suppliers and system integrators, as well as IT/AI/ML solution providers aiming to contribute with innovative applications to the O-RAN framework. Moreover, the course is well suited for academic staff involved in research and teaching in course-related areas. Individuals with an engineering background in a variety of technical positions would be interested in this course.
Level of Instruction
Intermediate level of instruction. An overview level knowledge the 5G/NR Radio Access Technology is required.