Radio access network

Wireless network

Architecture

World Wide Web

Visual arts

Cellular network

Physical layer

Mobile station

Open research

C-RAN

Computer network

Computer science

Low latency (capital markets)

Access control

Wireless

Base station

Telecommunications

Latency (audio)

IEEE Network

The open radio access network (O-RAN) describes an industry-driven open architecture and interfaces for building next generation RANs with artificial intelligence (AI) controllers. We circulated a survey among researchers, developers, and practitioners to gather their perspectives on O-RAN as a framework for 6G wireless research and development (R&D). The majority responded in favor of O-RAN and identified R&D of interest to them. Motivated by these responses, this article identifies the limitations of the current O-RAN specifications and the technologies for overcoming them. We recognize end-to-end security, deterministic latency, physical layer real-time control, and testing of AI-based RAN control applications as the critical features to enable and discuss R&D opportunities for extending the architectural capabilities of O-RAN as a platform for 6G wireless.

Toward Next Generation Open Radio Access Networks: What O-RAN Can and Cannot Do!