The Open RAN movement is gaining momentum, with increasing numbers of operators and vendors embracing the capabilities of open, interoperable radio access networks (RANs). At CableLabs, we have been at the forefront of this movement from the beginning, hosting NTIA-sponsored 5G Challenge events in our lab, as well as O-RAN Global PlugFests twice a year to bring together industry leaders and drive innovation.
Building on the success we’ve had at previous PlugFests, we’re committed to continuing this work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Open RAN. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through our latest efforts to test the interoperability, efficiency, performance, and security of Open RAN components.
Energy saving meets unparalleled performance
In collaboration with Effnet, Red Hat, and VIAVI, we have tested ways to reduce the power consumption of resource-intensive cloud-hosted communications workloads by controlling the CPU power management feature. Doing so involves using the underlying cloud infrastructure to dynamically turn off unused CPU components and adjust the CPU frequency in response to central unit (CU) traffic load conditions. This solution saved energy and reduced heat production while maintaining quality service.
Furthermore, we looked at the impact of hardware accelerators such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) on CPU offload. We performed these tests by processing large amounts of data in parallel to optimize specific tasks (e.g., high physical layer 3GPP, AI training). In a multi-vendor Open RAN 5G gNB implementation, AMD, Effnet, Pluido, Red Hat and VIAVI demonstrated peak over-the-air throughput values close to theoretical limits while maintaining high virtual RAN (vRAN) workload efficiency. MAC stress tests at peak load showed scalability gains with hardware acceleration (HWA) enabled.
To continue our exploration of ways to achieve power savings from each RAN component, we took a closer look at the RAN’s open radio frequency (RF) front end. In collaboration with Eridan, Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI, we observed stable RU power consumption even when using higher modulation orders, thanks to the linearity of the power amplifier.
Ensuring automated security at work
The evolution of communications network to modular and open architectures on cloud platforms poses security challenges due to increased software interdependence and interface exposure. To mitigate these risks, periodic and automated security assurance testing is critical as part of network operations.
Mavenir and VIAVI have successfully demonstrated this concept by automating 3GPP service layer security implementation testing, and validating secure interoperability across the RU, distributed unit (DU) and central unit components of a distributed 5G base station. It all builds on the momentum generated by the spring 2024 PlugFest.
The open Fronthaul M-Plane enables multi-vendor operations
By providing a unified interface for managing RUs from different vendors, the M-plane open front-end transport interface enables multi-vendor RU operations, eliminating the need to integrate and maintain multiple proprietary management interfaces. During the Fall 2024 PlugFest, we observed the Eridan RU M-Plane successfully integrating with the VIAVI DU simulator to demonstrate adherence to the Open RAN Working Group 4 (WG4) technical specifications. The results of this testing provide a promising outlook for future collaboration, as the knowledge obtained will be useful in multi-vendor operations and open standard applications.
Participate in Open RAN
Guided by the technology vision of tomorrow’s network, CableLabs is committed to driving innovation in network infrastructure. In the future, we plan to continue exploring innovative Open RAN applications that enable operators to share infrastructure, scale economically, reduce the total cost of operation, and eventually move to AI-enabled networks.
We welcome CableLabs members, vendors, and application developers to join us at these upcoming events.
