The O-RAN Release 5 (O-RAN-R005) has been completed! Mature O-RAN specifications allow implementation of many advanced features in existing 4G-5G Radio Access Networks.

An O-RAN release consists of features, defined in technical specifications, that are deployable in commercial networks world-wide.

Features included in O-RAN-R005 were highly demanded by operators and brought significant value in existing 5G and 4G network deployments and operations.

Features delivered in O-RAN-R005 are:

• AI RAN framework enhancements through AI/ML workflow services for development and training of AI models, combining both the Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC) and the Near-Real-Time RIC (Near-RT RIC).
• The D2 interface, improving spectrum efficiency through allowing carrier aggregation between different O-DUs.
• Massive MIMO optimization thanks to enhancements in many O-RAN network functions and interfaces, and associated data models. The network intelligence framework is now ready for mMIMO beamforming optimization utilizing AI RAN and machine learning applications.
• Network energy saving improvements, adopting the 3GPP R18 features and introducing O-RU-specific energy saving features.
• Fully deployable O-Cloud, including provisioning, deployment, lifecycle management, FCAPS, and integration with Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) over the O2 interface.

Moreover, O-RAN-R005 reinforces security with expanded TLS 1.3 requirements, Zero Trust framework enhancements, and AI/ML security controls.

The release also contains five studies related to decoupled SMO, filtered measurements, O-RAN resiliency, NTN deployments and SMO intent-driven management.

For more details, read the O-RAN-R005 release notes.

All O-RAN specifications are available for download on our website at https://specifications.o-ran.org.

Work on the O-RAN-R005 started in July 2024 and finished with the November 2025 specifications.

For future releases, O-RAN ALLIANCE is aligning the timing of its releases with 3GPP to ensure efficient progress of the 6G standardization.

Work on O-RAN-R006 has already started. Stay tuned for advanced new features enabled by the open and intelligent O-RAN Architecture!

Thank you to O-RAN members and participants that contributed to delivering this important work, expanding the global RAN industry ecosystem.