Open RAN ORAN Seminar Report
Open RAN ORAN Seminar Report
Open RAN ORAN Seminar Report
ORAN
SEMINAR REPORT
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction 3
2. Motivations 4
3. Objectives 6
4. Requirements 6
5. Functional Entities 10
6. References 22
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1. INTRODUCTION
The vision of the OpenRAN architecture is to design radio access network
architecture with the following characteristics:
• Open,
• Flexible,
• Distributed,
• Scalable.
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2. MOTIVATIONS
Open RAN work has been motivated by perceived shortcomings in current RAN
architectures, many of the issues raised in this section may be addressed by compatible
changes to existing architectures or even through particular implementations of existing
architectures. The intent of the OpenRAN work is to see whether all of these issues can
be addressed in a comprehensive fashion, by starting from scrach and redesigning the
RAN completely.
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instantiations for particular RAN network elements is reduced. In past architectures, the
cost of deploying redundant network elements was prohibitive and difficult because of
centralization, depending on implementation. Distribution also improves scalability.
Because new services are expected to become an important means for 3G operators to
win over customers from competitors, the unpredictable requirements of these services
on network resources and their typical introduction in hot spots call for an incremental
infrastructure growth capability. In the OpenRAN, the control plane, bearer plane and
transport plane infrastructure are intended to scale independently, increasing the
deployment flexibility.
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potential is also available for new wireless ISPs to arise. A wireless ISP would supply
wireless access only, and depend on existing service-based core suppliers for services.
If the RAN is based on Internet protocols and mechanisms, ISPs are more likely to
become potential customers because they already understand Internet protocols and
already have existing equipment based in Internet protocols, and so they do not have as
steep a learning curve or a difficult integration operation if they want to provide access.
3. OBJECTIVES
The long term vision of the OpenRAN architecture is to extend the peer-to-peer
and distributed Internet architecture to radio access networks, so a radio access network
becomes just another access network, like cable, DSL, Ethernet, etc.. The first step
toward this goal is to gather requirements. The second step is to determine the basic
functionality of a radio access network as a collection of functional entities in a
functional architecture, identifying the interfaces between the functional entities. The
third step is to describe which interfaces are open and how they can be implemented
using IETF protocols, or protocols based on IP but designed specifically for the radio
access network functions. The fourth step is to trace back the architecture to validate
that it does, in fact, meet the requirements. The objectives of the first version of this
report are to address steps one and two in the above process; future versions of this
report will address the remaining steps.
4. REQUIREMENTS
The proposed architecture shall satisfy all the applicable architectural
requirements for basic RAN functionality.
The OpenRAN architecture shall at least support the current 2G and 3G radio
technologies such as WCDMA, CDMA2000, EDGE, IS -95. Also wireless LAN.
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Minimal Functionality
The Open IP RAN architectures and protocol set shall provide at least equivalent
functionality to existing RAN architectures[10] . 3 end to end in this context means
from terminal to the termination point of the call or session Mobile Wireless
The OpenRAN architecture shall transport bearer and control traffic based on IP
technology. Detailed requirements of IP in the RAN as transport option are documented
in MTR-006 [5]. Layer 1 and layer 2 can be any technology.
The OpenRAN architecture shall support distributed control and bearer function,
in order to facilitate load balancing and reliability.
Platform, link and system (or sub-system) availability and reliability is driven by
a combination of operator, subscriber and regulatory needs (e.g. emergency services).
The OpenRAN architecture shall support the necessary functions to ensure that the
necessary availability and reliability can be achieved.
Scalability
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Core Support
The OpenRAN architecture shall interoperate with the MWIF core network
architecture as defined in MTR-004 [4].
The OpenRAN architecture shall support open interfaces between any network
entities in the OpenRAN that may be implemented by operators/ISPs and manufacturers
as separate systems, sub-systems, or network entities. IETF protocols shall be
considered and adopted in these open interfaces when possible.
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Scaleable Architecture
Security
“Plug and Play” refers to easy installation and configuration of a network entity,
especially Node B/BTS or other Base Station/Access Point Functional Entity. For
example, the IP address and basic network information of each entity could be delivered
automatically, e.g., through the use of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
Mobile Wireless Internet Forum Technical Report MTR-007 Release v1.0.0 Because it
is considered that the number of such entities to ubiquitously support broadband radio
service may increase tremendously and because the OpenRAN architecture is intended
to introduce a distributed system architecture, installation and maintenance costs for a
large number of servers and other entities may increase unless automatic configuration
is available. “Plug and Play” brings many advantages, such as: · Easy and reliable
equipment installation without specific technical knowledge, reducing the labor cost for
installation;
· Easy and hot (i.e. to keep network running) exchange of the network
equipment when it is broken or version incremented.
System Migration
The OpenRAN architecture shall demonstrate the ability to integrate with legacy
RAN and core network infrastructure to allow a smooth migration. Migration issues
include: · Protection of existing investment on infrastructure; · Ability for operators to
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migrate portions of their network functionality towards the new architecture at a pace
that best fit their needs; etc.
Handoff Requirements
5. FUNCTIONAL ENTITIES
Function Definitions
The following sections describe the atomic functions supported by the
OpenRAN architecture.
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admission control, and involves both radio and RAN resources. This co-ordination is
handled by admission control co-ordination.
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This function does not actually configure these resources nor takes them into/out of
operation.
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parameters. Other information, for example core network information, may also be
provided.
Connection setup/release
This function is responsible for the control of radio bearer connection set-up and
release in the RAN. This function manages radio bearer setup, maintenance, and
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release, and includes both radio and terrestrial (i.e. RAN) resources. It is the global
manager for radio bearer connections.
Handover control
This function performs the mobility of the radio interface, based on information
provided by the network load optimization control function and on radio measurements
collected from the UE. The function is responsible for maintaining the required
transport and radio QoS. Handovers may also be directed across different radio systems
(e.g. UMTS, GSM).
UE measurement control
This function manages the measurements to be performed by the UE. It sends
measurement requests and modifications to the UE and collects the measurement
results. Besides the radio network measurements, information such as mobile location,
etc. may also be collected.
UE alerting co-ordination
Depending on whether the UE currently has an active dedicated control channel
or not, this function selects a channel and message type to use to alert the UE that
incoming data is available. In 3GPP, this function decides whether to use a dedicated
control channel or paging channel to deliver the paging message. In 3GPP2, this
function decides whether to alert the UE via a dedicated control channel and its
particular message, or the paging channel and the paging message. This function is the
first point of contact between the core network and RAN for purposes of paging.
Cell paging
This function executes paging via the paging channel in a cell upon command of
the UE alerting co-ordination function.
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Location management
This function handles the location update messages to/from the UE while the UE
mobility is being tracked by the RAN. This does not include geo-location information.
The granularity of the paging area, whether to have differently sized paging areas
depending on service, whether to involve the core network, etc., are all items For
Further Study.
Tracing Control
This function controls tracing of various events related to a UE and its activities,
at the request of the core network. This is an O&M function.
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Admission authorization
This function admits IP flows into the RAN based on authorization of the UE or
core flow. This function is optional and unnecessary if AAA is handled by the core
network.
Database management
This function manages databases of RAN information. Examples of such
information are:
• Authentication, authorization, and accounting information;
• QoS policy;
• Radio parameters;
• Radio network topology information;
• Pilot mapping onto cell sector info database.
This function is For Further Study
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Header compression
This function performs header compression over the radio link.
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Common multiplexing/demultiplexing
This function performs multiplexing/demultiplexing of services and
multiplexing of UEs on common radio channels. Replies from specific UEs to common
channel traffic are demultiplexed through dedicated multiplexing.
Dedicated multiplexing/demultiplexing
This function performs multiplexing/demultiplexing of traffic streams on
dedicated radio channels.
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different types of logical channels and different types of data. This function optionally
also performs interleaving and softer handoff, if supported by the radio protocol.
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10. REFERENCES
1. IEEE COMMUNICATION MAGAZINE,MAY 2002
OpenRAN by James Kempf, DoCoMo Communications Laboratories, USA
Parviz Yegani, Cisco Systems.
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