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May 07

Understanding Licensing in Aether SD-RAN

By Blog

This is the eighth 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

Open source licensing is an important factor when selecting a Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) for Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) deployments. Licensing governs how the software can be used, modified, and redistributed, impacting compliance, commercial adoption, and ecosystem collaboration.

This blog post focuses on the licensing policies of Aether SD-RAN, an open-source Near-RT RIC framework governed by a permissive license that enables flexibility and encourages innovation. Insights are drawn from Section 3.3 of the ‘Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0’ report by Rimedo Labs. For a broader comparison across multiple Near-RT RIC implementations, the full report offers additional context.

Why Licensing Matters in Near-RT RIC

A Near-RT RIC’s license affects:

  • Commercial Adoption: Whether the software can be used in proprietary products.
  • Code Modifications: How code contributions and extensions are governed.
  • Compliance with Open Source Policies: Ensuring consistency with enterprise and legal requirements.
  • Collaboration and Ecosystem Growth: The ease with which diverse stakeholders can contribute and integrate the software.

Let’s examine how Aether SD-RAN addresses these aspects through its licensing.

Aether SD-RAN: Apache 2.0 Licensing Benefits

Aether SD-RAN is released under the Apache License 2.0, a permissive open source license that provides wide latitude for use and customization. This licensing model brings several important advantages:

1. Commercial Adoption Flexibility

Organizations can integrate Aether SD-RAN into proprietary or commercial solutions without the obligation to open source derivative works. This encourages:

  • Broader industry participation.
  • Customization  to closely with operator needs.
  • Integration into vendor-specific platforms and offerings.

2. Freedom to Modify and Extend

Under the Apache 2.0 license, developers are free to:

  • Modify the codebase for their own use cases.
  • Build new functionality without needing to contribute changes back (though contributions are welcomed).
  • Choose their own licensing model for derivative works.

This freedom promotes innovation while respecting organizational IP strategies.

3. Open Collaboration Without Barriers

The license allows for low-friction collaboration among stakeholders, including:

  • Network operators
  • Cloud service providers
  • Academic institutions
  • Research labs and system integrators

With no copyright restrictions, contributions can be made openly or privately, enabling a balance between community and commercial interests.

4. Compatibility with Cloud-Native and Enterprise Policies

Apache 2.0 is widely accepted by legal and compliance teams across industries, which:

  • Reduces adoption barriers in regulated sectors.
  • Simplifies integration into CI/CD pipelines and enterprise DevOps environments.
  • Aligns with modern cloud-native and software-defined infrastructure philosophies.

Conclusion

Aether SD-RAN’s use of the Apache 2.0 license provides a foundation for flexible deployment, commercial readiness, and open collaboration. It enables both innovation and adoption, making it well-suited for a wide range of diverse O-RAN initiatives.

For More Information

Apr 30

Project Activity in Aether SD-RAN: Momentum and Innovation

By Blog

This is the seventh 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 success of an open-source project often depends on its community participation and support, development momentum, and industry adoption. In the context of Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controllers (Near-RT RICs), an active project means regular updates, contributions from multiple diverse stakeholders, and continuous alignment with evolving O-RAN standards.

This blog post highlights the project activity and engagement around Aether SD-RAN, a cloud-native Near-RT RIC implementation aligned with open networking innovations. Insights are drawn from Section 3.2 of the ‘Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0’ report by Rimedo Labs. For those interested in comparisons across multiple frameworks, the full report provides additional context.

Key Factors Defining Project Activity

A thriving open-source project is characterized by:

  • Code Contributions: Regular updates, a roadmap for feature enhancements, and bug fixes.
  • Community Engagement: Active discussions, issue resolution, and stakeholder contributions and participation.
  • Industry Adoption and Partnerships: Usage by end users, vendors, pilot testbeds, researchers and standardization efforts.
  • Governance and Roadmap: Clear project direction and commitment to long-term development.

Let’s explore how Aether SD-RAN demonstrates strength in each of these key areas.

Code Contributions and Release Frequency

Aether SD-RAN features steady development activity, with ongoing enhancements aimed at improving cloud-native capabilities, including modularity, and interoperability or security. Regular updates ensure alignment with evolving O-RAN standards while also supporting modern deployment models like multi-cloud and edge-native architectures.

Planned code commits and iterative improvements reflect the commitment of the development team to advancing the platform.

Community Engagement and Contributor Base

Aether SD-RAN benefits from a community that spans both telecom and cloud-native development ecosystems. This unique blend:

  • Fosters innovation at the intersection of networking and cloud technologies.
  • Encourages collaboration between operators, cloud providers, and technology vendors.
  • Supports a diverse and growing contributor base, ensuring resilience and broader perspectives.

Participation in forums, working groups, and collaborative initiatives helps maintain strong momentum and alignment with industry requirements.

Industry Adoption and Real-World Deployments

Aether SD-RAN is well-integrated into Linux Foundation’s ecosystems, ensuring:

  • Alignment with real-world operator requirements.
  • Deployment in testbeds and proof-of-concept environments.
  • Collaboration with organizations aiming to bring cloud-native principles into telecom infrastructure.

This adoption highlights the platform’s robustness, relevance and readiness for production-oriented scenarios.

Governance and Long-Term Roadmap

Governed under the Linux Foundation umbrella, Aether SD-RAN benefits from:

  • A clear strategic vision centered around open networking advancements.
  • Roadmap aligned with industry trends, including AI-driven RAN control, network slicing, and edge deployments.
  • Long-term commitment to open standards, interoperability, and cloud integration.

The project’s roadmap reflects its goal to stay at the forefront of O-RAN innovation and compatibility while ensuring operational practicality.

Conclusion

Aether SD-RAN showcases a strong level of project activity, combining ongoing development momentum, engaged community participation, and industry-backed governance. These attributes make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking an open, flexible, and future-proof Near-RT RIC platform.

For More Information

Apr 23

Flexibility in Aether SD-RAN: Adapting to Modern O-RAN Deployments

By Blog

This is the sixth 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

In Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) environments, flexibility is a key characteristic that allows Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controllers (Near-RT RICs) to adapt to various network architectures, deployment scenarios, and use cases. A flexible Near-RT RIC should support multiple deployment models, customizable service models, extensible APIs, and multi-vendor interoperability.

This blog post explores the flexibility of Aether SD-RAN, an open-source Near-RT RIC designed with modularity, cloud-native architecture, and extensibility in mind. Insights are drawn from Section 5.5 of the ‘Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0’ report by Rimedo Labs. For a broader view of other open-source RIC implementations, readers can consult the full report.

What Defines Flexibility in Aether SD-RAN?

Aether SD-RAN exhibits flexibility in several dimensions that are critical to supporting modern and diverse O-RAN use cases:

  • Support for Diverse Deployment Models
  • Extensible Architecture
  • Multi-Vendor Interoperability
  • Customizable Service Models (E2SMs)
  • API and xApp Extensibility

Let’s explore each area in more detail.

Deployment Model Flexibility

Aether SD-RAN supports multi-cloud and edge-native deployments, making it ideal for dynamic and distributed environments. It can be:

  • Deployed on public or private cloud infrastructure.
  • Installed on Kubernetes clusters across data centers or edge sites.
  • Integrated with automated tools like Aether OnRamp for simplified deployment.

This makes Aether SD-RAN highly suitable for operators looking to deploy in standalone, distributed, complex  and evolving environments.

Extensible Architecture

Built on a microservices-based architecture, Aether SD-RAN allows:

  • Individual components to be developed, deployed, or scaled independently.
  • Flexible integration of new modules, xApps, or interfaces.
  • New features or improvements can be introduced to individual components without requiring changes to the entire system.

This modular design ensures that the platform can evolve with emerging network needs.

Multi-Vendor and E2 Node Support

Aether SD-RAN is designed to integrate with diverse E2 nodes from multiple vendors. Its architecture supports:

  • Seamless onboarding of different RAN equipment.
  • Interoperability across vendor ecosystems by adhering to O-RAN standards.
  • Adaptation for specialized RAN configurations in edge, enterprise, or rural deployments.

This flexibility offers open network architectures, freedom of choice in radio vendors, and ability to mix and match.

Customizable E2 Service Models (E2SMs)

Aether SD-RAN enables developers to implement custom E2SMs based on specific use cases, such as:

  • Traffic steering and load balancing.
  • RAN radio energy efficiency and resource optimization.
  • Network slicing and service assurance.

Support for both standardized and user-defined E2SMs makes Aether SD-RAN adaptable to both traditional and experimental RAN control scenarios.

xApp and API Extensibility

Aether SD-RAN offers gRPC-based APIs for streamlined xApp development and integration. Key capabilities include:

  • Support for various programming languages through protobuf/gRPC interfaces.
  • Modular xApp registration and management.
  • Integration with external systems such as AI/ML pipelines, policy engines, or orchestration platforms.

This API-first design ensures that developers can build and innovate without tight coupling to the core system.

Conclusion

Aether SD-RAN is built for flexibility—supporting multi-cloud and edge deployments, offering a modular and extensible architecture, enabling customizable control models, and facilitating multi-vendor integration. These attributes make it well-suited for modern O-RAN environments where adaptability is essential.

For teams evaluating Near-RT RIC solutions, Aether SD-RAN offers a powerful combination of openness, modularity, and future-readiness.

For More Information

Apr 09

Scalability in Aether SD-RAN: Cloud-Native Growth for O-RAN Deployments

By Blog

This is the fourth 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

As Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) deployments expand, the ability of Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controllers (Near-RT RICs) to scale efficiently becomes crucial. Scalability determines how well a Near-RT RIC can accommodate growing numbers of E2 nodes, xApps, and control loops without performance degradation. Ensuring that a Near-RT RIC can handle large-scale deployments while maintaining low latency and reliability is a key factor in real-world implementations.

This blog post explores the scalability aspects of Aether SD-RAN, an open-source Near-RT RIC framework designed for cloud-native scalability and operational efficiency. For those interested in a comparative analysis of multiple Near-RT RIC implementations, refer to the ‘Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0’ report by Rimedo Labs.

Key Factors Affecting Aether SD-RAN’s Scalability

Aether SD-RAN is built with the following scalability attribute priorities in mind:

  • Efficient E2 Interface Load Management
  • Dynamic xApp Deployment and Lifecycle Control
  • Resource Efficiency and Adaptability Under Variable Load
  • Native Cloud Orchestration and Automation

Each of these areas ensures that Aether SD-RAN can evolve and expand with the needs of modern O-RAN deployments without compromising responsiveness or reliability.

Handling Large-Scale E2 Interface Load

The E2 interface is fundamental to Near-RT RIC scalability, enabling real-time communication with RAN components. Aether SD-RAN employs an efficient gRPC-based E2 message handling architecture, which supports the management of a large number of concurrent E2 nodes while maintaining low latency.

This architecture ensures responsiveness, even when processing thousands of messages per second – making Aether SD-RAN well-suited for high-density, large-scale networks.

Scalable xApp Management

Aether SD-RAN supports a microservice-based xApp architecture, allowing each xApp to be developed, deployed, and managed independently. The system enables:

  • Concurrent operation of multiple xApps without contention.
  • Kubernetes-native deployment, which facilitates dynamic scaling.
  • Helm-based configuration for reproducibility and ease of automation.

This level of modularity ensures that operators can extend functionality as needed, without impacting system stability or performance.

Resource Utilization and Performance at Scale

Aether SD-RAN is optimized for efficient CPU and memory usage, and adapts as workloads increase. As the number of E2 nodes and xApps grows, Aether SD-RAN maintains:

  • Stable resource consumption curves, reducing the risk of bottlenecks.
  • Predictable performance, even in resource-constrained environments.
  • Integrated monitoring and observability tools, such as Prometheus exporters, to track key metrics in real time.

These features enable confident scaling in both central and edge deployments.

Orchestration and Automation for Dynamic Scaling

Built with cloud-native principles, Aether SD-RAN integrates deeply with Kubernetes and Helm to support automated scaling. Key benefits include:

  • Self-healing capabilities, ensuring service continuity.
  • Dynamic load balancing and container orchestration.
  • Blueprints and tools like Aether OnRamp, which simplify multi-node, multi-site deployments.

These orchestration features make Aether SD-RAN adaptable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, from lab testing and research to full production environments.

Conclusion

Aether SD-RAN demonstrates a scalable, efficient, and cloud-ready approach to deploying Near-RT RICs in O-RAN environments. Its use of gRPC for message handling, microservice-based xApp design, efficient resource utilization, and Kubernetes-native orchestration make it ideal for operators aiming to scale intelligently and reliably.

As O-RAN continues to expand into production-grade networks, scalability will remain a defining factor in adoption. Aether SD-RAN is built from the ground up to meet this challenge.

For More Information

Apr 02

Delivering Stability and Reliability in Aether SD-RAN

By Blog

This is the third 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

Stability and reliability are critical factors in the deployment of Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controllers (Near-RT RICs) in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) environments. As networks grow in complexity, the ability of Near-RT RIC implementations to maintain consistent performance under a wide range of conditions while ensuring predictable operational continuity is essential for real-world deployments.

This blog post highlights the stability and reliability aspects of Aether SD-RAN, a leading open-source Near-RT RIC implementation. The insights presented here are informed by Sections 5.2 and 5.3 of the ‘Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0’ report by Rimedo Labs. Readers interested in a comparative analysis of multiple Near-RT RIC frameworks can refer to that document for additional context.

The Importance of Stability and Reliability in O-RAN

A Near-RT RIC should be designed to:

  • Maintain steady performance under varying network conditions without excessive fluctuations.
  • Ensure resiliency against failures, including xApp crashes and E2 node disconnections.
  • Recover from failures quickly and automatically without manual intervention.
  • Maintain predictable system behavior over extended operations.

Stability ensures that a Near-RT RIC can operate consistently over time, while reliability guarantees that it can recover from failures and restore normal  functioning with minimal downtime.

Aether SD-RAN: Built for Stable and Reliable Operations

Handling E2 Interface Traffic Under Load

The E2 interface plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability by efficiently processing high-frequency indication messages and control requests between the Near-RT RIC and E2 nodes. Aether SD-RAN is designed with scalability and efficient load handling in mind, providing predictable performance and adapting as message rates increase or decrease.

This design makes Aether SD-RAN suitable for demanding and dynamic network environments, where consistent latency and high throughput are essential.

Optimized Resource Utilization

Aether SD-RAN demonstrates strong stability over extended periods due to its optimized resource allocation mechanisms. Whether under light or heavy traffic conditions, Aether SD-RAN maintains predictable CPU and memory usage, ensuring that the system does not degrade over time or under pressure.

This efficient resource management is especially important in edge or distributed deployments, where hardware resources may be constrained.

Robust Auto-Recovery Mechanisms

For system reliability it is essential that the platform recover automatically and seamlessly from failures. Aether SD-RAN features robust recovery mechanisms including:

  • Auto-restart crashed xApps and core platform services.
  • Restore E2 connectivity quickly and efficiently without manual intervention.
  • Contain and mitigate the effects of malfunctioning components, isolating faults and mitigating their impact on system operations .

These capabilities contribute to high service availability and reduce operational overhead for network administrators.

Automated Resource Control and Protection

To mitigate system instability due to misbehaving or resource-intensive xApps, Aether SD-RAN includes built-in mechanisms for automated resource control. These safeguards:

  • Set memory and CPU limits per xApp, that could affect performance degradation.
  • Monitor resource usage in real time, initiating proactive intervention measures.
  • Maintain predictable resource behavior, to ensure consistent performance and service quality.

By continuously observing real-time metrics (e.g., CPU load, memory footprint, I/O activity), Aether SD-RAN can trigger alerts or automated actions – such as throttling a misbehaving xApp, restarting it, or adjusting resource allocations – to maintain system health. This approach ensures early detection of anomalies and helps operators address problems before they impact service availability or performance.

These features enable Aether SD-RAN to deliver stable performance across diverse workloads and without manual intervention.

Conclusion

Aether SD-RAN is a stable and reliable Near-RT RIC platform built for real-world O-RAN deployments. With its ability to handle high E2 traffic loads, maintain consistent resource usage, recover automatically from failures, and protect against system overload, it provides a strong foundation for intelligent and scalable RAN control.

As O-RAN continues to accelerate traction, the ability to ensure predictable performance, minimal downtime, and robust fault recovery is critical. Aether SD-RAN’s design and engineering principles were designed from the ground up to address these needs, making it a compelling choice for operators and developers focused on stability and reliability.

For More Information

Mar 26

Ensuring O-RAN Compliance with Aether SD-RAN

By Blog

This is the second 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 built on the principles of openness, interoperability, and vendor neutrality. Compliance with O-RAN specifications is essential to ensuring that different network components seamlessly integrate within multi-vendor environments. The Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, facilitating intelligent control over RAN operations within a latency range of 10 milliseconds to one second.

One of the leading open-source implementations of Near-RT RIC is Aether SD-RAN, a cloud-native and modular framework originally developed by the Open Networking Foundation (ONF) and now part of the Linux Foundation. Aether SD-RAN is designed to adhere closely to O-RAN standards, enabling smooth integration with standardized interfaces, compliance with E2 Service Models (E2SMs), and robust security features. This blog post highlights Aether SD-RAN’s approach to O-RAN compliance and how it ensures seamless interoperability, security, and standardization.

O-RAN Compliance in Aether SD-RAN

Aether SD-RAN is built with compliance at its core, ensuring that all essential O-RAN interfaces and functions are properly implemented. Below, we explore its adherence to key O-RAN specifications.

Standardized Interface Support

O-RAN defines a set of critical interfaces that enable interoperability between Near-RT RIC and other network components. Aether SD-RAN provides robust support for these interfaces:

  • E2 Interface – Enables direct communication between the Near-RT RIC and O-RAN CUs/DUs, facilitating real-time network control.
  • A1 Interface – Allows integration with the Non-RT RIC for policy-driven network management and AI-based optimizations.
  • O1 Interface – Provides Operations, Administration, and Management (OAM) capabilities for configuring and monitoring network performance.
  • Y1 Interface – Supports data exchange for advanced network analytics, enhancing AI-driven insights and predictive optimizations.

Aether SD-RAN’s modular architecture ensures that these interfaces are scalable and adaptable, allowing for future enhancements and seamless integration within multi-vendor O-RAN environments.

Figure 1: O-RAN Architecture (source)

E2 Service Model (E2SM) Compliance

O-RAN compliance requires adherence to E2 Service Models (E2SMs), which define the interactions between Near-RT RIC and E2 nodes. Aether SD-RAN implements a flexible and scalable approach to E2SM integration, ensuring:

  • Support for Key Performance Measurement (KPM) E2SM, enabling real-time monitoring of RAN performance.
  • Implementation of RAN Control (RC) E2SM, allowing dynamic adjustments to network parameters.
  • Efficient handling of E2 Subscription and Indication messages, ensuring real-time control and analytics data collection.

Aether SD-RAN’s architecture ensures that E2SM support evolves alongside O-RAN specifications, making it a future-proof solution for RAN intelligence.

Security and Compliance

Security is a fundamental component of O-RAN compliance, ensuring that networks remain protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Aether SD-RAN implements:

  • TLS-based encryption for secure communication over E2 and A1 interfaces.
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce strict authorization policies for xApps and RIC components.
  • Secure xApp sandboxing, preventing unauthorized applications from accessing sensitive network data.

These features ensure that Aether SD-RAN aligns with O-RAN’s best practices for security and access management, providing a reliable and compliant framework for Near-RT RIC deployments.

Interoperability with O-RAN Components

One of the key goals of O-RAN is to enable multi-vendor interoperability, allowing different network elements to function together seamlessly. Aether SD-RAN is designed for high interoperability, ensuring compatibility with:

  • O-RAN-compliant CUs and DUs, allowing smooth E2 interface integration.
  • xApps from third-party developers, supporting a dynamic and extensible ecosystem.
  • Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platforms, facilitating centralized network management.

By focusing on cloud-native, vendor-agnostic design, Aether SD-RAN ensures that operators can deploy and integrate it flexibly across different network environments.

OnRamp: Simplifying Aether SD-RAN Deployment

Deploying Aether SD-RAN can be streamlined using OnRamp, a tool designed to help users set up and customize Aether’s 5G platform efficiently. OnRamp provides a structured approach for learning, experimenting, and deploying Aether SD-RAN in different environments. Users can start with a Quick Start deployment on a single virtual machine and gradually progress toward more complex configurations, including emulated and physical Radio Access Networks (RANs). By leveraging OnRamp, organizations can accelerate the adoption of Aether SD-RAN, ensuring a smooth integration of Near-RT RIC functionalities into their O-RAN deployments.

Conclusion: Aether SD-RAN is a Compliant and Future-Ready Near-RT RIC

Aether SD-RAN is a mature, scalable, and compliant Near-RT RIC implementation that aligns closely with O-RAN’s open and intelligent RAN vision. With strong adherence to standardized interfaces, security best practices, and interoperability requirements, it provides a robust foundation for operators, researchers, and enterprises deploying O-RAN networks.

As O-RAN adoption accelerates, compliance with evolving standards will remain a priority. Aether SD-RAN’s modular, cloud-native approach ensures that it can continuously adapt to new specifications, making it a reliable and future-ready choice for intelligent RAN deployments.

For More Information

  • For a comparative analysis of open-source Near-RT RIC implementations, Section 5.5.6 of the ‘Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0’ report by Rimedo Labs provides insights into multiple frameworks. “Open Source Near-RT RIC Comparison v1.0” by Rimedo Labs.
  • Register to join us for a webinar on May 27th where we will be discussing the benefits of Open RAN and results of third party testing of Aether’s O-RAN compliant Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller by Rimedo Labs. 
  • Sign-up for the Aether Newsletter to stay up-to-date about news and events across the Aether community.

Mar 19

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

By Blog

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.

For More Information

Mar 11

Aether’s SD-RAN Open RAN RIC Delivers Superior Developer Experience in Third-Party Testing

By Press Release

Palo Alto, California – March 11, 2025 – Aether’s SD-RAN initiative announced it has emerged as a leading open source platform for implementing an O-RAN-compliant Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) based upon an independent in-depth comprehensive evaluation by Rimedo Labs, renowned specialists in 5G Open RAN consulting. 

The lab tests conducted an in-depth assessment of open-source Near RT-RIC platforms; the results demonstrated the superiority of Aether SD-RAN across multiple key areas:

  • Most Robust Comprehensive Enterprise-Class Production-Ready Features
    • Advanced orchestration capabilities through RKE2 (Rancher Kubernetes Engine 2)
    • Robust observability stack including Elasticsearch, Grafana, and Prometheus integration
    • Superior security implementation with enforced TLS/SSL encryption for all component communications
    • Efficient gRPC APIs enabling low-latency communication with streaming support
    • Sophisticated topology management through the μONOS platform
    • Full adherence to O-RAN specifications and architecture
    • Advanced state management through Atomix for distributed operations
    • Comprehensive Kubernetes integration via custom operators
    • Industry-standard Apache 2.0 licensing enabling commercial deployment
  • Environment Designed for Developer Ease of Use
    • Most comprehensive and well-organized documentation 
    • Clear deployment procedures and detailed installation guides
    • Extensive SDK support for Python and Go development
    • Simplified xApp development through automated workflows
    • Comprehensive testing and deployment tools including RiaB (RIC-in-a-Box)
    • Monitoring and troubleshooting tools

In addition to publishing the full research report, we will be publishing a series of weekly blogs highlighting findings from the report. We will also host a webinar featuring experts from Rimedo Labs and the Aether Project who will discuss the various test methodologies and report findings.

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Register for webinar – May 27th, 8:00am Pacific

The Aether SD-RAN platform’s enterprise focus is evident in its superior orchestration support and robust observability tools, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking a production-grade RAN intelligence solution. The project’s integration into the Aether initiative further strengthens its position as a leading choice for private 5G deployments. Aether has built a strong community of contributors and supporters including: Canonical, Intel, Kyunghee University, and Monogoto.

An Open Community

The Aether Project is an open community with open meetings, participation, and collaboration. To learn how to learn about Aether SD-RAN, access project resources, and get involved, please visit: https://aetherproject.org/sd-ran/

About the Aether Project

Aether is a Linux Foundation project that supports a portfolio of open-source 5G mobile networking sub-projects including Aether (private 5G and edge computing), SD-Core (open 5G mobile core), SD-RAN (open RAN), and SMaRT-5G (sustainable mobile and RAN transformation 5G).

About The Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation is the world’s leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world’s infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, OpenChain, OpenSSF, PyTorch, RISC-V, SPDX, Zephyr, and more. The Linux Foundation focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org. The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of 

The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

About Rimedo Labs

Rimedo Labs specializes in delivering top-tier RAN algorithm design and implementation, tailored to meet customer’s individual needs and requirements. We provide applied research and expert consulting services in modern wireless systems, covering Open RAN, 5G, and beyond. Rimedo Labs provides an extensive portfolio of xApps and rApps integrated with commercial and open source RICs.

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Media Contact
Denise Barton
dbarton@stratiview.com

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