A Modular O-RAN Testbed Based on SRS Open Source O-CU/O-DU and Massive Beams Modular O-RU

Abstract

In this paper, we present a modular open radio access network (O-RAN) consisting of the 5G Core, a central (O-CU) and distributed unit (O-DU) by Software Radio Systems (SRS) and an O-RAN radio unit (O-RU), MODRAD-SC, by Massive Beams (MB). OCUDU provides an open source 5G-compliant O-CU and O-DU solution developed by SRS, while MB's radio unit is a fully O-RAN compliant category A O-RU. According to O-RAN split 7.2a, OCUDU performs higher layer functions up to the high physical (PHY) layer, while the O-RU handles low PHY and RF functions. This results in an O-RAN-compliant 5G gNodeB. In an alternative configuration, OCUDU and MODRAD-SC operate in a software-defined radio fashion corresponding to split 8, facilitating non-real-time experiments among others. In both cases, the system provides full control over O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU. In addition, we will discuss the possibility to attach an analog beamformer to the O-RU, enabling hybrid digital-analog beamforming. The flexibility and modularity offered by OCUDU and MODRAD-SC enable the practical realization of a multitude of applications, ranging from 5G demonstrators to pre-6G experiments. The system addresses the requirements of academia and industry and is well-suited as an easy-to-use platform for experimental and practical deployments.