What are the ways in which an Open RAN can be made effective?

  

 

A radio access network (RAN) connects individual devices to other parts of a network through radio connections. It is a major component of modern telecommunications, with different generations of mobile networking. Successful implementation of Open RAN includes the adoption of several strategies that will be discussed in this blog. 

 

Interoperability

 

Open RAN architecture should ensure interoperability which makes the usage of NEC Open Networks imperative. They allow the integration of diverse components from other vendors making interoperability possible. These networks use open standards and interfaces to ensure there is no vendor lock-in. They make developing an Open RAN to cater to a service provider possible as it helps in better collaboration. 

 

Handling the challenge of integration 

 

E2E open and dis-aggregated network solutions help in handling the challenge of integration in multi-vendor environments. They can solve all modern network challenges helping the service providers to satisfy increased bandwidth demands at any segment of the network and hence providing a unified, end-to-end solution. To upgrade the network, they seamlessly work with all legacy features as well as enabling the latest innovations. Integrated with various hardware platforms, these solutions address the needs of a service provider across access, aggregation, optical transport and core network segments, among others.  

 

 

 Better use of Artificial Intelligence

 

AI network monitoring can detect and diagnose network traffic issues like packet loss, latency, and congestion in real time, and instantly apply automated fault resolution. This involves corrective actions such as rerouting traffic, achieving QoS, allocating additional bandwidth, or switching to redundant network paths. A true artificial intelligence-based cellular solution is possible with the help of an open network. 

 

AI-powered self-healing networks are able to learn from past performance issues, recognize the earliest signs of a potential fault, and proactively adjust network configuration settings, routing decisions, or bandwidth allocations to prevent the fault from actualizing. Self-healing networks also apply automated monitoring and network optimization to ensure that the network is always operating at peak performance levels.

 

Enables Deployment 

 

Deployment of an Open RAN is possible with the help of E2E open and dis-aggregated network solutions. Since they support network slicing, a single physical network can be partitioned into multiple virtual networks. The layered architecture enables horizontal dis-aggregation and serves as a key driver for many successful white box deployments. The ease of integrating NEC open networks on different platforms has shortened product development time and accelerated time to market.

 

Standardization 

 

Adopting the global standards for mobile communication is by far the most important thing for developing a competitive Open RAN. 3GPP is a standard that is followed all across the world. A movement to 3GPP is considered the initial seed for true cellular interface and processing openness and has been the key driver for subsequent O-RAN specifications. The O-RAN Alliance, a collaborative industry initiative focused on developing and promoting open and intelligent Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions for mobile communication networks, concurs with the usage of 3GPP standards. Since these standards support vendor-agnostic platforms, NEC open networks can be used to develop an Open RAN that is acceptable in the industry.

 

Identifying Security Risks 

 

AI and ML offer the capabilities to significantly raise network security levels. AI algorithms analyze traffic patterns and compare them to historical data, enabling them to detect anomalies that could indicate a security threat. The platform immediately notifies security teams to investigate, thereby preventing potential security incidents and resolving data breaches before they cause too much damage. 

 

ML network monitoring can also spot suspicious behavior, like unusual data transfers, attempts to access sensitive data, or atypical changes in employee behavior, helping limit the risks of an internal data breach.

 

Conclusion 

 

A combination of key strategies and best practices is required to make an O-RAN successful. The use of open standards and interfaces ensures seamless integration of diverse components from various vendors.