The O-RAN community consistently explores novel technologies and architectures to advance innovations in the 5G radio network and achieve optimal performance across various scenarios. In certain instances, determining the most suitable architecture requires careful consideration of factors like performance trade-offs, complexity, and cost. The existing O-RAN 7-2a/b functional split strikes a balance between uplink air interface performance, fronthaul bit rate, and complexity. Although this architecture remains relevant for many deployments, concerns have emerged about the uplink performance limitations of 7-2a/b in densely populated urban settings, exacerbated by growing demands on fronthaul connection bandwidths.
In response, O-RAN WG-4 is currently exploring proposals to enhance uplink performance within the 7-2a/b split. This involves relocating or duplicating specific processing functions (e.g., equalizer, estimator) from the O-DU to the O-RU, offering the added advantage of reducing fronthaul bit rates.
AccelerComm will be hosting a technology webinar titled "New Architectures for O-RAN – Approaches for Maximizing Uplink Performance" on Wednesday, July 12th, at 4 pm BST.
During this webinar, attendees will gain insights into:
Market drivers from the perspective of an optical connectivity vendor, including trends in increasing fronthaul rates, optical technologies, and operational challenges in network upgrades.
Overview of O-RAN functional splits, encompassing details of 7-2a/b signal processing requirements.
Challenges posed by 7-2a/b in dense urban environments, such as fronthaul bandwidth and uplink beamforming performance.
AccelerComm's perspective on O-RAN proposals for enhancing uplink performance within the split, including a comprehensive description of various architectural options and their relative advantages and disadvantages.
Use cases where the 7-2a/b architecture remains optimal and guidance on decision-making.
Insights into the company's modular IP portfolio for O-RU and O-DU.
Webinar registrants will also have the opportunity to participate in a poll regarding architecture options, the results of which will be discussed during the presentation.