Tag: RIC

Rimedo Labs, together with i14y Lab, synthesized the standardization efforts from 3GPP, ETSI, and O-RAN ALLIANCE into the unified O-RAN E2E EE Testing Framework. The proposed framework brings SMO/Non-RT RIC and rApps into the equation, enabling evaluation of the tradeoff between running RAN automation algorithms and their impact on RAN. In this blog post, we demonstrate the implementation of the E2E EE Testing Framework in practice. We cover the PC measurements of multipleVNFs. We present the relevant tools and discuss the results obtained in i14y Lab while using a Dell R750 server hosting rApp Lab (a “Lightweight Non-RIC”) and communicating with Keysight RICTest emulating the RAN.

In this blog post, we introduce the solution proposed by Rimedo Labs: Beamforming Optimization rApp (BO-rApp). We discuss how the BO-rApp can be improved when utilizing location information or a Network Digital Twin - a virtual replica of the network. Then, we point out a possible architecture for the BO-rApp within the O-RAN architecture.  Finally, we present numerical results demonstrating the benefits of the BO-rApp in an event-based scenario.

Recently, the O-RAN automation market has been shifting toward the SMO/Non-RT RIC solutions. At the same time, due to the complexity of current systems, operators demand dynamic, intelligent, context-aware network automation. According to the O-RAN architecture, this can be realized by dedicated rApps residing in SMO/Non-RT RIC, typically utilizing AI/ML tools. This whitepaper provides an overview of the RAN automation with SMO and rApps. First, the SMO/Non-RT RIC architecture in O-RAN is introduced. It is followed by discussions on two promising use cases of RAN automation: traffic steering and beamforming optimization. The whitepaper addresses both general aspects and the design of related rApps, along with performance results.

One approach to realize M-MIMO systems is the GoB concept which relies on a predefined set of beams that are launched in fixed directions. However, the main disadvantage of GoB is that the fixed set of beams may not track the dynamics of a real network, like users' mobility. In some cases, this can lead to QoS degradation. In this blog, we explore how to address this challenge by examining the concept of Beamforming Optimization in the context of its applicability. We present four use cases, with different approaches to the GoB, ranging from static to dynamic beam adaptation.

In this blog, we discuss the results of the collaborative project focused on developing an rApp for traffic steering in 4G/5G heterogeneous RANs, leveraging an open-source O-RAN architecture. The SMaRT-5G initiative, involving industry partners like Intel Labs,  TietoEvry, Aether, VIAVI, and Rimedo Labs, experiments with SMO and Non-RT RIC hosting rApps - for coordinated network optimization. Here, we focus on migrating the TS function, originally designed as an xApp, to an rApp. The article covers the ideas, differences, the actual process of migration, and the final testing and integration of the TS-rApp.

This blog post delves into Conflict Mitigation, as outlined in the O-RAN ALLIANCE’s Technical Report. It indicates the direction in which a target solution can be developed. Based on the TR, the following CM modules are described: Conflict Detection, Conflict Resolution, and Conflict Avoidance. The article present each of these three modules in detail, along with potential solutions and examples.