Level 10
O-RAN & Open Networks
Master the O-RAN architecture and its transformative impact on 5G — O-RAN Alliance vision, disaggregated O-CU/O-DU/O-RU architecture, open fronthaul (7.2x split), near-RT and non-RT RAN Intelligent Controllers, xApps and rApps, SMO framework, O-RAN interfaces (A1, E2, O1, O2), multi-vendor interoperability, real-world deployments, and hands-on xApp design.
0%
0/17 lessons
O-RAN Architecture
0/9Learn the O-RAN Alliance vision and the disaggregated RAN architecture — O-CU, O-DU, O-RU components, open fronthaul 7.2x split, near-RT RIC and non-RT RIC, xApps and rApps, SMO framework, and all O-RAN interfaces.
O-RAN Alliance vision and principles
Why O-RAN exists — the shift from single-vendor proprietary RAN to open, interoperable, intelligent, and virtualized radio access networks. O-RAN Alliance goals and key principles.
lesson3 min
O-RAN architecture: O-CU, O-DU, O-RU
Disaggregated RAN components — O-CU (Central Unit) for PDCP/RRC/SDAP, O-DU (Distributed Unit) for RLC/MAC/high-PHY, O-RU (Radio Unit) for low-PHY/RF, and how they map to 3GPP functional splits.
lesson3 min
Open fronthaul (7.2x split)
The open fronthaul interface between O-DU and O-RU — 7.2x functional split, U-Plane (IQ data), C-Plane (scheduling), S-Plane (synchronization), M-Plane (management), and eCPRI transport.
lesson3 min
RAN Intelligent Controller: near-RT RIC and non-RT RIC
Animated architecture showing near-RT RIC (10ms–1s control loop, hosts xApps) and non-RT RIC (>1s control loop, hosts rApps) — their roles, interaction via A1 interface, and data-driven RAN optimization.
animation3 min
xApps and rApps: what they are and how they work
xApps run on near-RT RIC for real-time RAN control (load balancing, handover optimization, interference management). rApps run on non-RT RIC for policy-driven, ML-based optimization with longer time horizons.
lesson3 min
SMO (Service Management and Orchestration)
SMO framework — lifecycle management of O-RAN components, fault/configuration/performance management (FCAPS), non-RT RIC hosting, and integration with OSS/BSS and cloud infrastructure.
lesson3 min
O-RAN interfaces: A1, E2, O1, O2, open fronthaul
All O-RAN defined interfaces — A1 (non-RT RIC ↔ near-RT RIC for policies), E2 (near-RT RIC ↔ O-CU/O-DU for real-time control), O1 (SMO ↔ O-RAN NFs for management), O2 (SMO ↔ O-Cloud for infrastructure), and open fronthaul (O-DU ↔ O-RU).
lesson3 min
Lab: Build O-RAN architecture
Topology exercise — drag and drop O-CU, O-DU, O-RU, near-RT RIC, non-RT RIC, and SMO onto the canvas and connect them with the correct O-RAN interfaces (A1, E2, O1, O2, open fronthaul).
lab5 min
Quiz: O-RAN Architecture
Test your understanding of O-RAN architecture, disaggregated components, RIC, xApps/rApps, SMO, and O-RAN interfaces.
quiz3 min
O-RAN in Practice
0/8Real-world O-RAN — multi-vendor interoperability, traffic steering and QoE optimization use cases, E2 and A1 interface deep-dives, testing challenges, operator case studies (Rakuten, Dish), and hands-on xApp design.
Multi-vendor interoperability: how O-RAN enables it
How O-RAN breaks vendor lock-in — open interfaces allow mixing vendors for O-CU, O-DU, O-RU, and RIC. Interoperability testing at O-RAN PlugFests, conformance certification, and the role of OTIC labs.
lesson3 min
O-RAN use cases: traffic steering, QoE optimization, anomaly detection
Key xApp/rApp use cases — intelligent traffic steering across cells and carriers, QoE-driven optimization using real-time UE metrics, anomaly detection via ML, energy saving by dynamic cell shutdown, and massive MIMO beam optimization.
lesson3 min
E2 interface and E2 Service Model
Deep dive into the E2 interface — E2AP protocol (E2 Setup, RIC Indication, RIC Control), E2 Service Models (KPM for metrics, RC for control, NI for network interface), and how xApps subscribe to E2 nodes for real-time data.
lesson3 min
A1 interface: policy-based RAN control
A1 interface between non-RT RIC and near-RT RIC — A1 Policy Management (create/update/delete policies), A1 Enrichment Information (ML model delivery), A1 Machine Learning model management, and policy conflict resolution.
lesson3 min
O-RAN testing and integration challenges
Real-world challenges — multi-vendor integration testing complexity, fronthaul bandwidth and latency requirements, synchronization accuracy (PTP/SyncE), security in open architectures, and performance vs. proprietary solutions.
lesson3 min
Real-world: Rakuten, Dish, and O-RAN-first operators
Case studies of operators who built O-RAN-first networks — Rakuten Mobile's fully virtualized cloud-native RAN, Dish Network's greenfield O-RAN 5G, and lessons learned from early large-scale O-RAN deployments.
lesson3 min
Lab: Design an xApp for load balancing
Hands-on exercise — design an xApp that subscribes to KPM metrics via E2, detects overloaded cells, and triggers handover actions to balance load across neighboring cells. Define inputs, logic, and E2 control actions.
lab5 min
Quiz: O-RAN in Practice
Test your knowledge of multi-vendor interoperability, E2 and A1 interfaces, xApp use cases, O-RAN deployments, and integration challenges.
quiz3 min