Area : 5G NR wide area Base Station Radio unit conformance validation (RCT)

5G NR Revolution with ORAN: Advancing RCT for Next-Generation

Connectivity

Saumya Ranjan Jena , Dr. R Swain ,Dr. A.K. Panda

VVDN TECHNOLOGY PVT.LTD

saumyaranjanjena1998@gmail.com

Abstract:

The introduction of 5G NR technology has unleashed a new era of connectivity, promising

unparalleled speed, reliability, and versatility for a wide range of applications. This abstract provides an
overview of the significance, methodologies, and advantages of employing Open Radio Access Network
(O-RAN) principles in 5G Radio Conformance Testing (RCT).The advent of 5G NR introduces a
plethora of new features, including massive MIMO, millimeter-wave frequencies, and advanced
modulation schemes. These enhancements necessitate a comprehensive approach to radio conformance
testing to guarantee seamless communication in real-world scenarios. 5G networks are expected to deliver
enhanced user experiences, support massive IoT deployments, and enable mission-critical services. 5G
RCT ensures that radio equipment complies with essential performance parameters and standards,
guaranteeing network reliability and functionality. The transition to 5G networks demands robust
conformance testing procedures to validate that both infrastructure and user equipment adhere to 5G NR
standards ie; 3GPP( a consortium of industry-leading organizations, has played a pivotal role in defining
the standards of mobile communication technologies).

O-RAN(An Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) is a nonproprietary version of the Radio Access
Network (RAN) system that allows interoperation between cellular network equipment provided by
different vendors.) with its open and interoperable architecture, presents a compelling framework for
conducting comprehensive 5G RCT. This approach allows for testing across various components,
including radio units (RUs), distributed units (DUs), and centralized units (CUs), facilitating end-to-end
evaluation and interoperability. O-RAN's vendor-agnostic approach promotes interoperability among
equipment from different manufacturers. 5G RCT using O-RAN ensures that equipment from various
vendors can seamlessly integrate into 5G networks, fostering a competitive and diverse ecosystem. In
conclusion, 5G RCT is vital for ensuring that 5G networks deliver on their promises of high performance
and versatility. As 5G technology continues to evolve and expand into diverse application domains, RCT
will remain at the forefront of network validation, enabling the seamless integration of 5G into our
connected world.

References: [1] Propelling 5G forward: A closer look at 3GPP Release 16 (Qualcomm Blog)
[2] 5G evolution: 3GPP releases 16 & 17 overview (Ericsson TechReview)
[3] 3GPP TS 38.141-1 & 3GPP TS 38.104