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Consistent and Repeatable Testing of O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) across Continents

Tuan V. Ngo, Mao V. Ngo, Binbin Chen, Gabriele Gemmi, Eduardo Baena, Michele Polese, Tommaso Melodia, William Chien, Tony Quek

TL;DR

A detailed analysis of the testing methodologies and results for O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) in O-RAN across two OTICs is presented, highlighting the impact of different deployment technologies and testing environments on performance and conformance testing outcomes.

Abstract

Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) are expected to revolutionize the telecommunications industry with benefits like cost reduction, vendor diversity, and improved network performance through AI optimization. Supporting the O-RAN ALLIANCE's mission to achieve more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks, O-RAN Open Testing and Integration Centers (OTICs) play a key role in accelerating the adoption of O-RAN specifications based on rigorous testing and validation. One theme in the recent O-RAN Global PlugFest Spring 2024 focused on demonstrating consistent and repeatable Open Fronthaul testing in multiple labs. To respond to this topic, in this paper, we present a detailed analysis of the testing methodologies and results for O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) in O-RAN across two OTICs. We identify key differences in testing setups, share challenges encountered, and propose best practices for achieving repeatable and consistent testing results. Our findings highlight the impact of different deployment technologies and testing environments on performance and conformance testing outcomes, providing valuable insights for future O-RAN implementations.

Consistent and Repeatable Testing of O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) across Continents

TL;DR

A detailed analysis of the testing methodologies and results for O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) in O-RAN across two OTICs is presented, highlighting the impact of different deployment technologies and testing environments on performance and conformance testing outcomes.

Abstract

Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) are expected to revolutionize the telecommunications industry with benefits like cost reduction, vendor diversity, and improved network performance through AI optimization. Supporting the O-RAN ALLIANCE's mission to achieve more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks, O-RAN Open Testing and Integration Centers (OTICs) play a key role in accelerating the adoption of O-RAN specifications based on rigorous testing and validation. One theme in the recent O-RAN Global PlugFest Spring 2024 focused on demonstrating consistent and repeatable Open Fronthaul testing in multiple labs. To respond to this topic, in this paper, we present a detailed analysis of the testing methodologies and results for O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) in O-RAN across two OTICs. We identify key differences in testing setups, share challenges encountered, and propose best practices for achieving repeatable and consistent testing results. Our findings highlight the impact of different deployment technologies and testing environments on performance and conformance testing outcomes, providing valuable insights for future O-RAN implementations.
Paper Structure (12 sections, 5 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 12 sections, 5 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Testing Setup across OTIC Labs
  3. Device-under-test (DUT)
  4. Testing Scenarios
  5. Configuration of CUSM-Plane Tests
  6. Differences between the Two OTICs' Setups
  7. Test Execution
  8. Test Results
  9. Challenges and Lessons Learnt
  10. Challenges
  11. Lessons Learned
  12. Conclusions

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: Combined O-CU and O-DU (from Synergy) as the DUT
  • Figure 2: O-DU CUM-Plane Test setup at Singapore OTIC
  • Figure 3: O-DU UC-Plane Test Setup in NEU
  • Figure 4: Methods to connect PRTC to O-DU oran_conf_test
  • Figure 5: O-DU S-Plane Test setup at Singapore OTIC