ORAN : Beginner to Expert level with 5G-ORAN lab Testing

Master O-RAN architecture, lab setup, explore RIC, and perform comprehensive 5G ORAN testing

What you'll learn
- Gain a complete understanding of O-RAN concepts, architecture, and benefits, including vendor interoperability, cost reduction, and network flexibility.
- Master O-RAN's functional splits, covering Central (O-CU), Distributed (O-DU), and Radio Units (O-RU), alongside practical lab setup understanding
- Learn in-depth about RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC), including Non-RT and Near-RT functionalities, AI-driven optimization, and xApp/rApp integration.
- Develop practical expertise in 5G O-RAN testing, including comprehensive Fronthaul, C/U-plane tests, synchronization validation, and performance metrics.

Requirements
- Basic knowledge of wireless communication concepts such as LTE and 5G fundamentals.
- No Programming experience needed.

Description
This comprehensive course provides an extensive journey into the world of Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). Students will start from foundational concepts and progressively build expertise, exploring advanced architecture, practical lab setups, testing procedures, and future perspectives.

Course Outline:

Section 1: Introduction to O-RAN and Ecosystem

What is Open RAN?

Why Open RAN is essential?

Evolution from Traditional RAN to Open RAN

O-RAN Vendor Ecosystem and Market Insights

Key industry forums (O-RAN Alliance, TIP, ONF, Open RAN Policy Coalition)

Section 2: O-RAN Architecture – Components and Functional Split

High-level O-RAN architecture

Service Management and Orchestration (SMO)

RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) Overview

Components: O-CU, O-DU, O-RU

O-RAN Interfaces and Specification Working Groups (WG1 to WG11)

Functional splits in 5G NR and the importance of Split 7-2x

Section 3: RIC – RAN Intelligent Controller

Detailed Role of SMO in lifecycle management

Non Real-Time RIC functionality and use cases

Near Real-Time RIC functionalities (xApps, conflict mitigation, messaging)

O-RAN interfaces details (O1, O2, A1, E2)

Advanced AI/ML-driven control mechanisms

Section 4: WG4 - Open Fronthaul (O-DU to O-RU Interoperability)

Data Flow between O-DU and O-RU

U-Plane packet details and IQ Data fundamentals

IQ Data Transfer Procedure

eCPRI protocol details

Timing and synchronization protocols (PTP, SyncE)

C-plane packet management

Fronthaul latency management and delay profiles

Management Plane (M-plane) operations (NETCONF/YANG)

Section 5: O-RAN Fronthaul Testing

Lab setup for E2E and Fronthaul conformance testing

DL and UL Testing methodology

IoT Testing profiles (Startup, Functional, and Performance)

C/U-plane delay management testing

3GPP gNB transmitter conformance tests (channel power, OBW, ACLR, EVM, frequency error, TAE)

Section 6: Future of O-RAN with 6G

Vision for 6G and the role of O-RAN

Enabling AI-native RAN

RIC advancements for AI integration

Challenges and solutions for scaling O-RAN to 6G

Industry convergence and future pathways

By the end of this course, students will be proficient in deploying and managing O-RAN solutions, equipped with hands-on experience from labs and practical testing, ready to lead innovations in next-generation wireless communication technologies.

Who this course is for:
- Telecom engineers and professionals aiming to master Open RAN architecture.
- Network administrators seeking hands-on knowledge of 5G O-RAN deployment.
- Students and researchers interested in next-generation wireless technologies.
- IT professionals preparing for careers in 5G, network virtualization, and testing.
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