Toward Next Generation Open Radio Access Networks: What O-RAN Can and Cannot Do!

TLDR

O‑RAN is an industry‑driven open architecture and interface framework for building next‑generation RANs powered by AI controllers. This article aims to identify the limitations of current O‑RAN specifications and propose technologies to overcome them, focusing on end‑to‑end security, deterministic latency, real‑time physical‑layer control, and AI‑based RAN control testing for 6G. The authors surveyed researchers, developers, and practitioners to capture perspectives on O‑RAN as a 6G R&D framework and highlighted the critical features needed to extend its architectural capabilities. Most respondents supported O‑RAN and highlighted specific R&D areas of interest.

Abstract

The open radio access network (O-RAN) describes an industry-driven open architecture and interfaces for building next generation RANs with artificial intelligence (AI) controllers. We circulated a survey among researchers, developers, and practitioners to gather their perspectives on O-RAN as a framework for 6G wireless research and development (R&D). The majority responded in favor of O-RAN and identified R&D of interest to them. Motivated by these responses, this article identifies the limitations of the current O-RAN specifications and the technologies for overcoming them. We recognize end-to-end security, deterministic latency, physical layer real-time control, and testing of AI-based RAN control applications as the critical features to enable and discuss R&D opportunities for extending the architectural capabilities of O-RAN as a platform for 6G wireless.