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Aether SD-RAN: Advancing Near-RT RIC in the O-RAN Ecosystem

By March 19, 2025March 26th, 2025No Comments

This is the first blog in a series of weekly posts that focuses on highlights from the “Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0” report by Rimedo Labs.

Introduction

The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture is transforming the way mobile networks are built and operated by introducing open interfaces, modular components, and intelligent real-time optimizations. A key element of O-RAN is the Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC), which is responsible for making network adjustments within a latency range of 10 milliseconds to one second. The Near-RT RIC enables advanced control over the Radio Access Network (RAN) through specialized applications known as xApps, which leverage AI/ML models, policies, and real-time data analytics to optimize network performance.

Aether SD-RAN brings a modular, cloud-native approach to network control, integrating software-defined networking (SDN) principles with O-RAN specifications. This post explores how Aether SD-RAN aligns with the O-RAN architecture and additional enhancements it offers specifically for Near-RT RIC functionality.

Key Features of Aether SD-RAN

Aether SD-RAN is built to support critical Near-RT RIC capabilities, ensuring efficient and scalable RAN control. The following sections highlight its core functionalities and how they contribute to O-RAN’s vision.

E2 Interface: Enabling Real-Time RAN Control

The E2 interface serves as the communication channel between the Near-RT RIC and E2 nodes (O-RAN-compliant base station elements such as CUs and DUs). Aether SD-RAN provides:

  • Support for Key Performance Measurement (KPM) E2SM, allowing continuous monitoring of RAN performance.
  • RAN Control (RC) E2SM, enabling real-time network optimization and policy enforcement.
  • E2 Subscription and Indication Handling, ensuring that xApps receive real-time network data efficiently.
  • Dynamic E2 Setup and Configuration Updates, allowing seamless network adjustments.

These capabilities ensure that Aether SD-RAN can efficiently monitor and optimize network behavior while maintaining flexibility for multi-vendor interoperability.

A1 Interface: Policy-Based Network Control

The A1 interface enables coordination between the Non-Real-Time RIC (Non-RT RIC) and Near-RT RIC, ensuring that policy-driven decisions are enforced in real time. Aether SD-RAN features:

  • A1 policy management, supporting policy-based optimizations from the Non-RT RIC.
  • Efficient routing of A1 messages to xApps, ensuring seamless integration between policy control and near-real-time decision-making.
  • Support for policy updates and enrichment data exchange, enhancing AI-driven network automation.

By integrating A1 policies, Aether SD-RAN enables adaptive, AI-powered optimizations that dynamically adjust to changing network conditions.

O1 Interface: Orchestration and Fault Management

The O1 interface facilitates Operations, Administration, and Management (OAM), allowing integration with the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system. Aether SD-RAN enhances network management by providing:

  • NETCONF/YANG-based configuration, ensuring structured and automated network management.
  • Fault and performance monitoring with Prometheus integration, allowing real-time observability.
  • Scalability through cloud-native orchestration, supporting dynamic deployment and lifecycle management of RIC components.

With these capabilities, Aether SD-RAN enables simplified and automated network operations, reducing the operational burden on network administrators.

Y1 Interface: Leveraging RAN Analytics

The Y1 interface facilitates the exchange of RAN analytics with external consumers, improving data-driven network decision-making. Aether SD-RAN includes:

  • Integrated observability with Prometheus exporters, providing real-time network insights.
  • Support for AI/ML-driven network analytics, allowing predictive performance optimizations.
  • Efficient data collection mechanisms for enhanced decision-making.

While Y1 functionality continues to evolve within O-RAN implementations, Aether SD-RAN is actively advancing network intelligence and analytics-driven automation.

Security and Fault Tolerance

Security and reliability are essential for any Near-RT RIC deployment. Aether SD-RAN ensures a secure and resilient architecture with:

  • Secure gRPC-based communication, ensuring encrypted interactions between network components.
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) and TLS encryption, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Automated fault recovery using Kubernetes, ensuring high availability and self-healing capabilities.

These security enhancements make Aether SD-RAN a robust solution for enterprise and telecom-grade O-RAN deployments.

Cloud-Native Orchestration and Scalability

Aether SD-RAN is designed with scalability and flexibility in mind, integrating with modern cloud environments. Key capabilities include:

  • Kubernetes-native orchestration, ensuring automated scaling and resource management.
  • Helm charts for simplified deployment, making it easy to install and configure RIC components.
  • onos-operator for dynamic resource allocation, optimizing network control functions.

These features make Aether SD-RAN highly adaptable for real-world deployments, from research environments to commercial networks.

Aether SD-RAN’s Role in the O-RAN Ecosystem

Aether SD-RAN provides a mature and feature-rich open source Near-RT RIC implementation that aligns closely with O-RAN’s vision. By integrating E2 and A1 policy control, advanced orchestration, and AI-powered analytics, it serves as a strong foundation for building intelligent, vendor-neutral RAN solutions.

As 5G and future networks continue to evolve, Aether SD-RAN plays a critical role in enabling open, software-defined, and AI-driven RAN control. With its cloud-native approach and modular architecture, it provides a scalable and interoperable solution for operators, developers, researchers, and enterprises exploring the potential of O-RAN.

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