Open RAN Wikipedia

Today, RAN architecture divides the user plane and the control plane into separate elements . The RAN controller can exchange one set of user data messages through a software-defined networking switch and a second set through a control-based interface.

Open RAN Is the disaggregation of hardware and software: the RRU / RRH hardware becomes a GPP-based or COTS hardware that can be purchased from any ODM, OEM or RAN hardware vendor. The BBU is the same as in the case of vRAN: COTS server + vendor’s proprietary software with virtualized functions .

The main purpose of open RAN is to have an interoperability standard for RAN elements including non-proprietary white box hardware and software from different vendors . Network operators that opt for RAN elements with standard interfaces can avoid being stuck with one vendor’s proprietary hardware and software.

Open RAN is a push for industry standards in the design of gear that’s used in the radio-access segment of telecom cellular networks and is particularly relevant to the buildout of 5G infrastructure.