O-RAN ALLIANCE’s Certification and Badging Program, launched in June 2022, is paving the way for the widespread adoption of open and intelligent Radio Access Networks (RAN) by building confidence in O-RAN products and solutions around the world. This certification process is not only beneficial for operators but also for vendors, as it ensures that products and systems meet the necessary requirements.
Recently, two Open Testing and Integration Centres (OTICs) in Berlin and Korea issued their first-ever O-RAN Certificates and Badges, joining Japan OTIC, which issued its first certificates and badges in June 2023. This brings the total number of awarded certificates to 23, representing solutions from 16 different companies.
The O-RAN Certification and Badging Program operates in collaboration with authorized OTICs, which are vendor-independent entities responsible for issuing the certificates and badges. These OTICs ensure the impartiality of the awards. Currently, there are 19 OTICs globally, forming a healthy market-driven ecosystem.
The program offers three types of certifications: O-RAN Certificate, which verifies compliance to O-RAN specifications; O-RAN Interoperability (IOT) Badge, which demonstrates interoperability between products; and O-RAN End-to-End (E2E) Badge, which validates that a system or subsystem meets minimum requirements on functionality and security.
To date, 13 O-RAN test specifications have been published to support comprehensive testing of O-RAN products and systems. The development of additional testing specifications is ongoing to ensure readiness for testing in mature areas.
Certification of O-RAN products and systems brings numerous benefits to both operators and vendors. Operators can have confidence in the conformance of certified solutions, while vendors can promote their products and solutions with the support of O-RAN certification. The aim of the O-RAN Certification and Badging Program is to accelerate the adoption of open and intelligent RAN solutions.
The O-RAN ALLIANCE, a global community of mobile operators, vendors, and research institutions in the RAN industry, is working towards reshaping the industry by establishing more intelligent, open, virtualized, and interoperable mobile networks. Their specifications and open software enable a more competitive RAN supplier ecosystem and enhance the efficiency of RAN deployments and operations.
For more information about the O-RAN Certification and Badging Program, visit the official website of the O-RAN ALLIANCE.
The O-RAN Certification and Badging Program, initiated by the O-RAN ALLIANCE in June 2022, is playing a vital role in driving the adoption of open and intelligent Radio Access Networks (RAN) by instilling trust and confidence in O-RAN products and solutions worldwide. This certification process is advantageous not only for operators but also for vendors, as it ensures that their products and systems meet the necessary requirements.
In recent news, two Open Testing and Integration Centres (OTICs) located in Berlin and Korea have issued their first-ever O-RAN Certificates and Badges, joining Japan OTIC, which issued its initial certificates and badges in June 2023. This marks a significant milestone, with a total of 23 certificates awarded so far, representing solutions from 16 different companies.
The O-RAN Certification and Badging Program operates in collaboration with authorized OTICs, which are vendor-independent entities responsible for issuing these certifications and badges. The involvement of these OTICs ensures impartiality in the awarding process. Currently, there are 19 OTICs operating globally, contributing to the development of a healthy market-driven ecosystem.
The program offers three types of certifications to cater to different needs: O-RAN Certificate, which verifies compliance to O-RAN specifications; O-RAN Interoperability (IOT) Badge, which demonstrates interoperability between products; and O-RAN End-to-End (E2E) Badge, which validates that a system or subsystem meets minimum requirements on functionality and security.
Presently, there have been 13 O-RAN test specifications published to support comprehensive testing of O-RAN products and systems. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to develop further testing specifications, ensuring that the industry is adequately prepared for testing in mature areas.
Aside from the benefits brought to operators and vendors, O-RAN certification of products and systems carries several advantages. Operators gain confidence in the conformance of certified solutions, while vendors can leverage O-RAN certification to promote their products and solutions in the market. The overarching aim of the O-RAN Certification and Badging Program is to accelerate the adoption of open and intelligent RAN solutions.
The O-RAN ALLIANCE, a global community comprising mobile operators, vendors, and research institutions in the RAN industry, is actively working towards reshaping the sector by establishing more intelligent, open, virtualized, and interoperable mobile networks. Their specifications and open software create a more competitive RAN supplier ecosystem and enhance the efficiency of RAN deployments and operations.
For more detailed information about the O-RAN Certification and Badging Program, please visit the official website of the O-RAN ALLIANCE: O-RAN ALLIANCE.
As for current market trends, the adoption of open and intelligent RAN solutions is gaining momentum globally. Traditional RAN architectures are being challenged by the need for greater flexibility, interoperability, and scalability. Open RAN, supported by initiatives like the O-RAN ALLIANCE, is emerging as a promising alternative.
One of the key advantages of open RAN is its ability to foster a more competitive RAN supplier ecosystem. By adopting open interfaces and standardized specifications, operators have the opportunity to mix and match components from different vendors, driving innovation and preventing vendor lock-in.
Furthermore, open RAN offers the potential for more cost-effective network deployments. By virtualizing network functions and utilizing commercial off-the-shelf hardware, operators can reduce upfront capital expenditures and operational costs.
However, there are also challenges and controversies associated with the adoption of open RAN. One of the main concerns is the maturity of the technology. Open RAN is still relatively new, and there are ongoing efforts to address interoperability issues and optimize performance.
Another challenge is the integration of legacy infrastructure. While open RAN provides a pathway for future deployments, operators must consider how to integrate existing network elements into the open RAN architecture.
Additionally, there is an ongoing debate regarding the security of open RAN solutions. As networks become more open and virtualized, the attack surface potentially increases. It is crucial for industry stakeholders to collaborate and establish robust security standards and practices to address these concerns.
To stay informed about the latest market trends and developments in the open and intelligent RAN space, you may find the following sources helpful:
– Light Reading
– FierceWireless
– Telecoms.com