Tag: ORAN

Recently, energy efficiency has been pointed out as one of the key requirements within mobile networks. The development of intelligent algorithms providing RAN with EE features is possible when having access to the KPIs, and proper control actions, e.g., cell on/off switching, or RF channel reconfiguration. These features together with a ML framework are available in the O-RAN architecture. This post provides an overview of the EE framework according to the use cases specified by the O-RAN ALLIANCE. It is followed by the implementation of the ES-rApp as per Rimedo Labs' implementation.

The concept of the Digital Twin (DT) has been around for years, but it has recently gained increased recognition. A Digital Twin is a software-based representation of a real-world system, device, or invention, designed to mimic its real-life counterpart as closely as possible. In this blog post, we explore the concept of DT and its potential impact on future networks. We highlight the benefits of using Network Digital Twins (NDTs) and demonstrate how integrating AI and ML with DT can enhance overall network performance. Additionally, we present the O-RAN ALLIANCE's perspective on DT and discuss potential future developments in this area.

This blog details our work on extending Traffic Steering within the O-RAN framework through Hierarchical Traffic Management. We evaluate it in a challenging scenario involving a heterogeneous network with high mobility, where the behavior and service usage of UEs change significantly over time. The use case addresses dynamic network changes, including the appearance of high-priority emergency services like Emergency Special Services and First Responders and a complex denial of service cyberattack during high-demand situations.

In the current heterogeneous mobile networks, traffic management is considered one of the key features to efficiently handle non-uniform user data. To realize this, the traffic steering function is employed, whose main task is to allocate users' traffic flows to network nodes or cells. O-RAN ALLIANCE provides means to support traffic steering through the utilization of Non- and Near-RT RIC frameworks and the accompanied rApps and xApps. This whitepaper provides an overview of the traffic steering topic in 5G mobile networks and how it fits into the O-RAN area. This is followed up by example implementations of the Traffic Steering xApp and its utilization for various use cases working in tandems with the corresponding rApps for energy saving and V2X scenarios.

In this blog post, we show how the utilization of both Traffic Management rApp and Traffic Steering xApp could help in V2X scenarios. We also emphasize the use of enrichment information, made available through O-RAN, that suits specifically to vehicular services, such as car platoon geolocation or emergency situation notifications. The flexibility offered by the O-RAN architecture allows for optimized resource management through policy control in companion with EI when dynamic changes occur on the road. This is analyzed within the context of specific O-RAN use cases related to V2X.

Recently, security has been pointed out as one of the critical aspects moving forward within the O-RAN domain. Expanded threat surface, as well as specific security challenges and opportunities, have been identified. This whitepaper provides an overview of security topics in O-RAN, specifically in 5G/6G mobile radio networks. We also consider artificial intelligence embedded in the network edge as a great tool to support security. We present some xApps applied to detect and mitigate example attacks. Conclusions and a discussion on the directions of future developments follow this.