open ran vendors
Open RAN (Radio Access Network) refers to a network architecture where the traditionally integrated hardware and software components in the RAN are disaggregated, allowing for more flexibility and interoperability. Open RAN aims to standardize interfaces between different RAN components, enabling network operators to mix and match hardware and software from different vendors.
Open RAN vendors typically provide solutions for various components within the RAN architecture. Here's a technical breakdown:
- Radio Units (RUs):
- Hardware: Open RAN vendors offer radio units that can support different radio access technologies (RATs) like 4G and 5G. These radio units are responsible for converting digital signals into analog signals for transmission over the air.
- Software: The software running on the radio units includes the physical layer processing, modulation, and coding functions. Open RAN allows for the use of software-defined radio (SDR) technologies, enabling flexibility in configuring radio parameters.
- Distributed Unit (DU):
- Hardware: The DU is responsible for the baseband processing functions. Open RAN vendors provide hardware for DUs, which may include general-purpose processors or accelerators such as FPGAs or GPUs.
- Software: The DU software includes functions such as channel coding, modulation/demodulation, and error correction. This software is often virtualized and can run on general-purpose processors or in virtual machines.
- Centralized Unit (CU):
- Hardware: The CU handles higher-layer processing functions and is responsible for managing multiple DUs. Open RAN vendors offer hardware solutions for CUs, which can include servers or cloud infrastructure.
- Software: The CU software includes functions such as radio resource management, user mobility management, and connection management. It is often deployed as virtualized network functions (VNFs) running on cloud infrastructure.
- Open RAN Interfaces:
- Open Fronthaul Interface: This interface connects the RU and DU, allowing for interoperability between different vendors' equipment. Common specifications include the O-RAN Alliance's Fronthaul Interface (FH).
- Open Centralized Unit-Baseband Unit (O-CU-RRU) Interface: This interface connects the CU and DU, enabling interoperability between different vendors' components. O-RAN Alliance specifies this interface to ensure standardized communication.
- Management and Orchestration (MANO):
- Software: Open RAN vendors provide software solutions for the management and orchestration of RAN components. This includes functions like configuration management, fault detection, and automated resource allocation.
- Standards: Open RAN solutions adhere to standards like the ETSI MANO architecture, ensuring interoperability and integration with other components in the network.
- Testing and Validation:
- Open RAN vendors often provide testing tools and validation suites to ensure compliance with Open RAN specifications. This includes interoperability testing, performance testing, and compliance testing to guarantee the smooth integration of components from different vendors.
Major open ran vendors
- Accelleran
- Aarna Networks
- Airspan Networks
- Altiostar Networks
- American Tower Corporation
- Andiamo Systems
- Ascend Networks
- AT&T
- Baicells Technologies
- Benetel
- Bigblu Broadband
- Birdi
- Blixt Communications
- Bluetalk
- Boingo Wireless
- Cambium Networks
- Capgemini Engineering
- CCS Corp
- Ceragon Networks
- Cisco Systems
- Cohere Technologies
- Comba Technology
- Commscope
- Corning Optical Communications
- Dell Technologies
- Deutsche Telekom
- Edgecor
- Ericsson
- Evoluxion
- Fujitsu
- HCL Technologies
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Hitachi
- Huawei
- Inphi Corporation
- Intel
- Ixia
- JMA Wireless
- Juniper Networks
- Keysight Technologies
- Ligado Networks
- LSI Corporation
- Mavenir Systems
- Microsoft
- Nokia
- Oracle
- Radisys
- Rakuten Mobile