– Contributed by Rimedo Labs –
Rimedo Labs is working with The Linux Foundation (LF) to help harmonize open source for Open RAN.
SMO, Non-RT RIC, and Near-RT RIC are key components of the O-RAN architecture, and open source implementations of these functions have become a driving force in fostering innovation and technological advancements in areas such as xApp/rApp development, testing, interoperability, portability, and security. Today’s Open RAN ecosystem offers several open source options for these components (from organizations such as LF, OAI, ONF, and OSC). While it is exciting to see all the various components become available, this can create confusion for developers assembling an open-source stack for their work.
Rimedo Labs is happy to share that we are working with these organizations to do a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of these different open source RICs to help the industry understand the spectrum of open source offerings and with the hope of promoting greater alignment and possible consolidation to help build critical mass behind a de facto open RAN stack.
The Linux Foundation (LF) is in the process of helping the community evaluate multiple options for SMO and the RICs, aiming to eliminate redundant work and focus the community’s efforts on the most promising solutions. The evaluation’s objective is to determine whether the community should concentrate on a single project, support multiple projects (because their focus is complementary), or even merge projects if that proves to be the best approach. An LF-led steering team has been formed and is undertaking this responsibility, carefully considering various options for this evaluation. Subsequently, Rimedo Labs has been engaged to conduct an independent technical evaluation of the different SMO and RIC options and to provide recommendations in close collaboration with the steering team driving this effort.
Rimedo Labs specializes in providing high-quality consulting, implementation, and R&D services in modern wireless systems, with a current focus on O-RAN, 5G, and beyond. As an O-RAN software provider, Rimedo Labs delivers customized xApps and rApps for RAN Intelligent Controllers, backed by extensive experience with both open-source and commercial RICs. Rimedo Labs has been a long-term collaborator with Open Networking Foundation (ONF)/Aether 5G, contributing to numerous proof-of-concept studies under the SMaRT-5G and previously SD-RAN initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates later this year!
