O-RAN ALLIANCE Summit - Accelerating Open RAN Adoption
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O-RAN Release 3 Implements Features with 58 New or Updated Technical Documents

O-RAN Release 003 includes enhancements to RAN Slicing and SMO features. It also introduces new features:

  • Security requirements and counter-measures for RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) interfaces and apps, O-Cloud and O2 interface
  • Security technical reports with threat and risk analysis outputs for application lifecycle management, log management, service management and orchestration, shared O-RU
  • RIC-enabled massive MIMO optimization for non-Grid of Beams (GoB) beamforming method
  • RAN Analytics Information Exposure (RAIE) use cases and RIC architecture enhancements for extending RAN-aware optimization capabilities to external services and applications

O-RAN Release 003 also includes 10 new specification titles:

  • Network Energy Savings Use Cases Technical Report
  • Decoupled SMO Architecture Technical Report
  • Application Protocols for R1 Services
  • O1 Interface Specification for Near-RT RIC
  • Near-RT RIC APIs specification
  • Requirements and Reference Design Specification for Enterprise Microcell
  • Study on Security for Application Lifecycle Management
  • Study on Security Log Management
  • Study on Security for Service Management and Orchestration (SMO)
  • Study on Security for Shared O-RU

All O-RAN specifications are available for download at our website.

WG1: Use Cases and Overall Architecture WorkGroup

O-RAN Slicing Architecture v9.00

This document describes O-RAN slicing related use cases, requirements and architecture. Along with requirements and a reference slicing architecture, slicing related impact to O-RAN functions and interfaces is also captured. This version includes the additional content related to multi-Operator RAN Slice Subnet Management use case.

O-RAN Use Cases Analysis Report v10.00

This document describes potential O-RAN use cases at a very high level, emphasizing how the use case is enabled by the O-RAN architecture along with basic input data expectations and resulting actions. This version includes addition of a new use case (“RAN-Core Data Sharing”) and minor editorial updates.

O-RAN Use Cases Detailed Specification v10.00

This document describes potential O-RAN use cases, emphasizing how the use case is enabled by the O-RAN architecture along with basic input data expectations and resulting actions.  This version includes addition of a new detailed use cases (“Integrated RRM-SON”), and updates to three use cases (“Shared O-RU”, “RAN Slice SLA Assurance – Reliability Assurance”, “Traffic Steering – Enrichment Based Optimization”).

O-RAN WG1 Network Energy Savings Use Cases Technical Report v1.0

This technical report captures potential O-RAN energy savings use cases. This first version of the report includes two sub use cases; “Carrier and Cell switch off/on” and “RF Channel Reconfiguration”.

O-RAN Architecture Description v08.00

The O-RAN Architecture Description document specifies the overall architecture of O-RAN. It describes all of the O-RAN functions and relevant interfaces that connect these functions. This version includes the Y1 interface for exposing RAN analytics information to internal and/or external functions. Its content has been reformatted and all references to future work items (e.g., O1 interface between SMO and O-RU, planned security enhancements etc.) have been removed to align with O-RAN drafting rules. In addition, C-RNTI (Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier) has been added to the UE identifier so that it can be optionally reported by O-CU-CP, O-DU, and O-eNB.

O-RAN Decoupled SMO Architecture v1.00

This Technical Report proposes a decoupled SMO architecture to enable standardized interworking between SMO Functions sourced from different vendors to better serve the needs of mobile network operators. In this version, the terms SMOF (SMO Function) and SMOS (SMO Service) have been defined while the current SMO services and other external services to SMO have been analyzed. Scenarios and use cases of SMO services for RAN NF (Network Function) OAM, Non-RT RIC, Topology and Inventory, Service Management and Exposure (SME), Data Management and Exposure (DME), and O-Cloud resources management and orchestration have been illustrated. The potential solutions for RNOAM SMOF (RAN NF OAM SMO Function) and ORMO SMOF (O-Cloud Resources Management and Orchestration SMO Function) have also been provided.

WG2: The Non-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller and A1 Interface Work Group

O-RAN A1 interface: General Aspects and Principles v3.01

This document specifies the general aspects and principles of the A1 interface. This update brings alignment to O-RAN drafting rules.

O-RAN A1 interface: Use Cases and Requirements v1.01

This document describes use cases for the A1 interface. This update brings alignment to O-RAN drafting rules.

O-RAN A1 interface: Transport Protocol v2.01

This document describes the transport protocol of the O-RAN A1 interface. This update brings alignment to O-RAN drafting rules.

O-RAN A1 interface: Application Protocol v4.00

This update brings alignment to O-RAN drafting rules. Enhanced alignment between A1-P and A1-EI, and between A1AP and A1TD.

O-RAN A1 interface: Type Definitions v5.00

This update brings alignment to O-RAN drafting rules. It also provides enhanced alignment between A1-P and A1-EI, and between A1AP and A1TD.

O-RAN A1 interface: Test Specification v3.00

This version introduces A1-P and A1-EI interoperability test cases for Non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC. It also brings alignment to O-RAN drafting rules.

O-RAN R1 interface: General Aspects and Principles v4.00

This version updated the specs of O-RAN TS skeleton, as well as SME and DME services modularization. It also renamed the O1 related services to RAN OAM related services.

O-RAN R1 interface: Use Cases and Requirements v3.00

This version updates the specs of O-RAN TS skeleton and adds the DME and RAN OAM (PM and FM) requirements. It also adds new use cases to RAN OAM services (related to PM services), DME discover services, and the Subscription termination use case to DME services.

O-RAN Application Protocols for R1 Services v1.00

This new specification provides the Versioning of the APIs and Versioning of the Open APIs, as well as the API structure for the SME. It also covers the Service registration and discovery.

WG3: The Near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller and E2 Interface Workgroup

O-RAN Use Cases and Requirements v3.00

This version of the specification introduces E2 requirements for RAN Analytics Information Exposure (as part of QoE Optimization Use Case) and updates to massive MIMO requirements for non-GoB solution.

O-RAN E2 General Aspects and Principles (E2GAP) v3.00

This version of the specification introduces the stage-2 aspects of newly defined RIC Service Query and RIC subscription modification procedure as well as a reference to execution order handling in the E2AP specification.

O-RAN E2 Application Protocol (E2AP) v3.00

This version of the specification captures the Stage-3 signaling details of newly defined RIC Service Query and RIC subscription modification procedure as well as an additional information element to enforce the execution order of multiple RIC actions. Additionally, minor corrections to references and subscription duration limit were implemented.

O-RAN E2 Service Model (E2SM) v3.00

This version of the specification mirrors the addition of E2SM-CCC and RIC Query service, plus a minor correction to 3GPP references.

O-RAN E2 Service Model (E2SM) KPM v3.00

This version of the document further clarifies the definition of Non-GoB beamforming mode index and adds a correction to Time Stamp definition to allow for millisecond-level granularity in the Collection Start Time.

O-RAN Cell Configuration and Control v1.01

This version of the specification contains minor fixes to JSON schemas and addition of Control Outcome.

O-RAN O1 Interface Specification for Near Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller v1.00

This specification defines O-RAN OAM interface functions and protocols for the O-RAN O1 interface for the Near-RT RIC. The document studies the functions conveyed over the interface, including management functions, procedures, operations, and corresponding solutions, and identifies existing standards and industry work that can serve as a basis for O-RAN work.

O-RAN E2 Interface Test Specification v2.00

This version introduces additional conformance tests cases for RIC subscription delete request, miscellaneous subscription procedures for E2SM-KPM, IOT test methodology description, and IOT cases for RIC global procedures as well as functional procedures of E2SM-KPM.

O-RAN Near-RT RIC Architecture v4.00

This version adds Y1 interface description within Near-RIC architecture and Stage-2 Management API procedures.

O-RAN Near-RT RIC APIs specification v 1.00

This technical specification defines signaling and data transport protocols for Near-RT RIC APIs. The protocols are developed in accordance with the functionalities and interactions stated in O-RAN.WG3.RICARCH specification.

WG4: The Open Fronthaul Interfaces Work Group

O-RAN Control, User and Synchronization Plane Specification v11.00

This document specifies the control plane, user plane and synchronization plane protocols used over the Fronthaul interface. This update brings:

Introduction/modification of functionalities, including:

  • Support of Section Type 4 for slot level configuration
  • U-plane only DL mode (without C-plane) for cat A O-RUs
  • Section Extension 23 for support of Modulation Compression
  • Limit on the maximum number of frequency ranges in C-Plane message to address O-RU capabilities
  • The minimum gain capability of an O-RU
  • Limit on the number of frequency hops using Section Extension 13
  • Changes to usage of ‘rb’ bit in Section Extension 6
  • Section Extension 10 support in the Shared Cell

Clarifications, including:

  • Optionality of Shared Cell feature
  • New consistent terminology of S-plane parameters to align with other standards
  • Usage of Resource Block Group Size
  • Corrections to:
  • Informative clause on Beamforming Methods
  • Usage of Section Extension 14 with Section Extension 10
  • Slot indexing in the O-RU

O-RAN Management Plane Specification v11.00

This specification defines the Management Plane for the O-RAN Open Fronthaul based on the selected lower- layer split point as defined within the Open Fronthaul Control Plane, User Plane and Synchronization Plane specification. This version brings:

Addition of new functionality, including:

  • U-Plane-only DL mode
  • SW build level file integrity check
  • Session supervision with session-id
  • Network energy savings

Bug fixes and clarification to V10.00 including:

  • Correcting hardware access privileges for SMO
  • Correct fault ID 31 cancel condition and source
  • Correct o-ran-laa YANG tree
  • Add voltage and current EPE stats to Annex B.5
  • Deprecation of power parameters for shared O-RU
  • Annex C.2 and C.3 reformat tables
  • Future topics annex
  • Clarification for handling of multiple interfaces per optical port
  • Clarify writable-running datastore
  • Clarification for PM measurement objects modification
  • Energy saving state clarification
  • Clarification of active parameter
  • Adding IEEE 802.1X recommendation

O-RAN Fronthaul Interoperability Test Specification (IOT) v9.00

This document specifies the interoperability testing (IOT) for O-DU and O-RU from different vendors connected using the O-RAN fronthaul (FH) interface. This version brings:

  • Addition of new capabilities, including customized IOT Configuration
  • Bug fixes and clarification to V10.00 including alignments with the O-RAN document template

O-RAN Conformance Test Specification v7.00

This document defines tests that validate the conformance to the protocols defined for the Lower Layer Split Option 7.2x interface between the O-RU and the O-DU. This version brings:

Support testing of Fronthaul Multiplexor:

  • Initial Test support covers M-Plane and basic uplink/downlink UC-Plane tests
  • S-Plane Testing discussion in progress to determine if it is required

Various corrections and clarifications, including M-Plane and UC-Plane corrections or clarifications from contributors with active testing

ETSI/PAS progress:

  • Initial simplification of document to reduce redundancy
  • Replacement of many keywords with accepted terminology – first pass

WG5: The Open F1/W1/E1/X2/Xn Interface Work Group

O-RAN NR C-plane profile v9.00

The scope of C-Plane profile spec is to further clarify (i.e. profile) for each RAN node the expected behavior (still within the scope of the 3GPP specifications), e.g. usage of IEs for each use case, general behavior of each node, etc.

C-Plane profile spec contains profiles of X2/F1/Xn C-Plane procedure for EN-DC use cases, NR-SA use cases and NR-DC use cases.

This version of the specification adds several new use cases and corrections.

O-RAN Interoperability Test Specification (IOT) v6.00

The scope of WG5 IOT spec is to specify Inter operability tests for RAN Node from different vendors implemented in accordance to the WG5 C-plane and U-plane profiles.

This version of the IOT spec focuses on;

  • X2 interoperability testing (Devices under Tests (DUTs) are eNB and en-gNB)
  • F1 interoperability testing (DUTs are en-gNB consisting of the gNB-CU and gNB-DU)
  • Xn interoperability testing (DUTs are gNBs)

Main Updates compared to v03 are:

  • Addition of more X2, F1, and Xn test cases
  • Minor editorial corrections

O-RAN O1 Interface specification for O-DU v6.00

The scope of O-DU O1 Interface spec is to specify the interface that links O-DU to the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework. It is focused on O-DU management operations, performance counters, fault supervision, software management, synchronization management, and configuration parameters for O-DU

Compared to v05.00, this version of O-DU O1 spec includes the following updates:

  • Typographical corrections in Performance counters tables
  • Updated WG5 M-Plane with related terminology according to context
  • Remove chapter 10.5
  • Editorial updates
  • Filename change to show O-RAN release number

WG6: The Cloudification and Orchestration Work Group

O-RAN Acceleration Abstraction Layer General Aspects and Principles v5.00

Adds the definition of an AAL Application and updated the AAL Resource Relationship and Cardinality diagrams.  Updated the AAL-LPU example mapping diagrams to clearly show the logical deployment options.

O-RAN Acceleration Abstraction Layer Common API v3.00

Enhanced e2e and transport workflow including transport APIs and initial alignment with AAL GAnP and O2 definitions.

O-RAN Acceleration Abstraction Layer High-PHY Profiles v4.00

Revised to add new text for the Executive summary and introductions and separation of references into normative and informative references.

O-RAN Cloudification and Orchestration Use Cases and Requirements for O-RAN Virtualized RAN v6.00

This version incorporates new use cases for PM Job management, alarm list management and IMS software update, and updates to use cases for network slicing, healing and platform software update.

O-RAN O2 Interface General Aspects and Principles v3.00

This specification outlines the general aspects and principles of the O2 interface. This version introduces the Alarm Suppression concept for Fault Management, and a new section on O-Cloud Operational Modes which includes Maintenance mode and Test mode.

O-RAN O2dms Interface Specification: Profile based on ETSI NFV Protocol and Data Models v3.00

This specification outlines the deployment management services of the O2dms interface profile based on ETSI NFV protocol and data models. This version introduces support the Scale NF Deployment operation.

WG7: White-box Hardware Work Group

O-RAN Requirements and Reference Design Specification for Enterprise Microcell v1.00

This document describes the hardware architecture, requirements and reference designs for the enterprise microcell deployment scenario based on Deployment Scenario and Base Station Classes specification (O-RAN.WG7.DSC.0-v04.00.pdf).  It specifies the high-level deployment scenario, hardware block diagrams, functional modules, and system requirements. It also present examples of O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU reference designs for this scenario.

O-RAN Hardware Reference Design Specification for Outdoor Macrocell with Split Architecture Option 7.2 v2.00

This document describes the white box Outdoor Macrocell Hardware Reference Designs of O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU based on deployment scenario and base station classes specification (O-RAN.WG7.DSC.0-v04.00.pdf).
The OMAC-HRD specification document describes examples of O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU reference designs for O-RAN Split option 7-2x. Specific devices and their part numbers are recorded in respective annex.
In November 2022 specification, multiple examples of massive MIMO O-RU7-2x hardware architecture were added.

WG8: Stack Reference Design Work Group

O-RAN Base Station O-DU and O-CU Software Architecture and APIs v8.00

This version brings updates to cloudification and security sections of O-DU and O-CU. Added references.

O-RAN Stack Interoperability Test Specification v6.00

CU/DU IOT test cases updated for test profiles, O1 configuration and Fronthaul interface procedures.

WG9: Open X-haul Transport Work Group

O-RAN Management interfaces for Transport Network Elements v5.00

The document is intended to describe best practices for O-RAN transport Network Element (TNE) management interfaces. Version 05.00 added content in section 9.3 and section 10 in support of the network slicing use case for the transport network.

O-RAN Xhaul Packet Switched Architectures and Solutions v4.00

The document is intended to describe best practices for O-RAN transport based on end-to-end packet switching technology. Version 04.00 document aligns with O-RAN slicing phase 3 standards efforts and enhances transport network element security to align with WG11 efforts.

O-RAN WDM-based Fronthaul Transport v3.00

This document is intended to describe best practices for O-RAN Fronthaul transport based on WDM technology. Version 03.00 aligns link budget, Asymmetry and OAM with other workgroup and standard efforts.

WG10: OAM Work Group

O-RAN Operations and Maintenance Architecture v8.00

This version of OAM Arch specification incorporates MnS capability retrieval at SMO over OAM interface.

O-RAN Information Model and Data Models Specification v4.00

O-RAN WG10 Information Model and Data Model v4 incorporates Guidance on how to create IMs, and introduction of Managed Application IOC IM. It also contains additional updates:

  • Document title change (added “-R003” release version)
  • Removal of Annex ZZZ
  • Updated copyright statement
  • Updated copyright date to 2023
  • Updated references
  • Pictures renumbered

O-RAN Operations and Maintenance Interface Specification v9.00

This version of O1 specification incorporates:

  • CR 36: Resolve outdated 3GPP references
  • CR 37: Alignment with 3GPP and editorial modifications
  • CR 38: PM file format for NR measurements

Document title changed (added “-R003” release version). Rapporteur’s editorials triggered by the application of O-RAN Drafting Rules process:

  • Manual clause numbering
  • Manual reference numbering
  • Updated reference bookmarks
  • Corrected figure title styles
  • Conversion of automated bullet lists
  • Minor formatting changes
  • Cover page fix

WG11: Security Work group

O-RAN Security Requirements Specifications v5.00

This document specifies security requirements and controls for O-RAN defined interfaces and network functions. In version 5.0, a security control mapping table for RIC APIs, security requirements for SMO Logging, and multiple O-Cloud security requirements and updates have been added. The updates for O-Cloud involve the image security requirements for Apps/VNF/CNF and the normative security requirements for image protection. Additional to the updates, the following security requirements were added to the O-Cloud section, secure storage, chain of trust, software image protection, and controls for virtualization and isolation.

O-RAN Security Protocol Specification v5.00

This document contains security protocol specifications for an O-RAN-compliant implementation. In this version, within the TLS section, the cipher specifications got replaced with references to 3GPP TS.33.210.

O-RAN Security Threat Modeling and Remediation Analysis v5.00

The objective of this document is to give a comprehensive and high-level view of the organization of security within the O-RAN system. This version provides an update to the O-Cloud risk assessment, which has been introduced in the previous version, and an update of the SMO security assets, threats, risks, and security controls. The updates are the results of the “O-Cloud Security Analysis” and “SMO Security” technical reports.  

O-RAN Study on Security for O-Cloud v2.00

The technical report on the security analysis of O-Cloud components and interfaces analyzes the following topics:

  • The O-Cloud critical services that need to be protected and maintained
  • The different cloud service and deployment models from security perspectives
  • A high-level risk assessment of the cloud deployment models (Private, Community, Public and Hybrid)
  • The main stakeholder roles and responsibilities involved in managing and using O-Cloud
  • The critical assets to be protected in terms of CIA
  • The threat model according to ISO 27005 and STRIDE methodologies of virtualization and management/orchestration layers, hardware resources, acceleration layer, NFs images, O2 and O-Cloud APIs
  • The appropriate best practices, and recommendations that have to be taken for countering the identified threats

O-RAN Study on Security for Application Lifecycle Management v1.00

This technical report on the security for application lifecycle management considers security of O-RAN applications during their lifecycle phases of development, onboarding, and operation. O-RAN applications in the scope of the technical report include VNFs/CNFs as well as software for physical network functions. This version discusses 13 key issues developed from identified threats and proposes solutions to mitigate the key issues as well as recommendations for future updates to the technical report and other specifications.

O-RAN Study on Security Log Management v1.00

This technical report considers the security log management as far as it applies to entities defined in the O-RAN architecture. The study analyzes a list of key issues on Security logs contents (payload), Security logs transfer mechanisms and Security logs formats/schemas and proposes solutions in order to derive security requirements, intended to be part of O-RAN security related specifications.

O-RAN Study on Security for Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) v1.00

This technical report (TR) provides the security analysis for the SMO, including the SM Framework, Non-RT RIC, external interfaces, and O2 interfaces.  The sections of the TR follow the security analysis process with asset and threat identification, threat analysis, risk analysis, and recommended security controls.  This TR will provide input for normative security requirements of the SMO.

O-RAN Study on Security for Shared O-RU (SharedORU) v1.00

This technical report (TR) provides the security analysis for the Shared O-RU. This first revision focuses on the steps of the security analysis identifying the Shared O-RU assets and threats. Future revisions will complete additional sections of the TR as the security analysis progresses to include threat analysis, risk analysis, and recommended security controls. This TR will provide input for normative security requirements of the Shared O-RU.

O-RAN Study on Security for Near Real Time RIC and xApps v2.00

This technical report considers the security aspects of the Near-RT RIC platform and xApps, as well as the associated network and management interfaces (E2, A1, O1) and APIs. The study analyzes a list of key issues in the Near-RT RIC overall architecture and proposes solutions in order to derive security requirements.

TIFG: Testing and Integration Focus Work Group

O-RAN Certification and Badging Processes and Procedures v6.00

The objective and scope of that updated version were to implement CRs on Summary Report and Test Report, CR on Multi-vendor scenario. This update also brings changes from previous version in revising relevant sections across the whole document to align the terminology and contents related to the changes on Summary Report and Test Report, Adding section 5.2.10 to provide clarifications on multi-vendor scenario.