Author: Rhonda Holloway
As mobile networks continue to evolve toward next-generation technologies, network planning, operation, and optimization are becoming increasingly complex. This is especially challenging given that legacy networks and new, more advanced architectures must coexist and interact smoothly and efficiently.
Currently, it is virtually impossible for mobile network operators (MNOs) to manage the design, tuning, operation, and optimization of end-to-end network parameters using manual processes or basic automation tools. Manual processes are not only time-consuming and prone to human error; This approach cannot address all moving parts of next-generation mobile networks in real time.
Basic automated network operations have become essential for daily operation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of 5G and LTE networks. However, the accelerating complexity of mobile network infrastructure requires more sophisticated automation tools. With the increasing adoption of open RAN architectures, MNOs now have advanced network automation resources at their disposal that go beyond the basics.
The O-RAN ALLIANCE standard includes numerous features that enhance network automation, including guidance and specifications for standards-based infrastructure management and cross-organizational data collection. These capabilities not only facilitate multi-vendor integration in open RAN networks, but also enable artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in automated network operations, helping optimize cloud-native 5G networks and improving performance and efficiency. significantly improve.
As the demands on today’s networks increase, more and more MNOs are turning to cloud-native workloads, enabling greater agility and automation than ever before. In fact, analyst firm IDC predicts that the pace of cloud-native adoption will accelerate in 2024, with global communications cloud infrastructure software revenues increasing more than 16% annually through 2027.
The key to a successful cloud migration with an open RAN architecture is the open cloud (O-Cloud) and the management and orchestration of the O-Cloud environment using O-RAN Service Management and Orchestration (SMO). is to fully understand. ) Framework. O-RAN SMO enables managed functions to interoperate and communicate within an O-RAN compliant network, making this architecture an ideal solution for programming, operating, and managing billions of network components in a multivendor environment. We provide sophisticated systems to help you get faster and faster. Automate your 5G deployment.
O-RAN SMO includes integrated services and data that enable connectivity and management to the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), O-RAN CU/DU network elements, virtual network functions (VNFs), and O-Cloud computing platforms. Services included. This framework is essential for managing and coordinating the O-Cloud platform and is a key enabler of a more programmable, flexible, and interoperable RAN.
Multi-cloud orchestration and management distributes cloud-native applications and software across the O-Cloud environment, ideally ensuring efficient use of compute, storage, and network capabilities, and reducing resource utilization. Optimized. This allows you to streamline network operations and improve virtualized RAN resiliency, scalability, and flexibility by managing infrastructure and lifecycle across different O-RAN environments.
Good O-Cloud infrastructure management leverages distributed control and management of automation and other policies and features to dynamically adjust configurations based on network requirements. This allows you to quickly deploy and scale O-Cloud to respond to changing network demands in real time, enabling faster service deployment and increased responsiveness to traffic fluctuations.
O-Cloud orchestration allows MNOs to easily coordinate and manage deployments, operations, and interactions across multiple cloud providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Wind River. Additionally, in a fragmented and open environment, carriers have the freedom to choose providers based on service, pricing, or geography, and leverage effective interoperability to improve network life from deployment to decommissioning. Ensure seamless integration between applications and services throughout the cycle.
In the Open RAN ecosystem, the O2 interface connects SMO functionality to O-Cloud, enabling efficient communication and data exchange for comprehensive infrastructure management. This capability allows SMOs to remotely monitor, control, and optimize distributed RAN elements, resulting in more agile, efficient, and cost-effective network operations.
A critical first step in enabling efficient and automated Open RAN deployment and configuration is O-Cloud registration and initialization. This process ensures that SMO has accurate and up-to-date information about available O-Cloud resources.
