The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) has launched a new project group named Open RAN 5G NR which will be led by co-chairs Sprint and Vodafone.
The project is also support by several hardware, software and integration vendors including Airspan, Altiostar, Aricent, Arm, Intel, Parallel Wireless, TechMahindra and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Open reference design
The Open RAN 5G NR project group aims to create an open reference design that leverages general purpose hardware, allowing operators to select the best hardware components coupled with open source software for a flexible modular 5G NR platform.
Based on operator input, the project group will develop modelling techniques and a test framework for specific applications and deployment scenarios using both standalone and non-standalone 5G NR wireless system architectures.
The initial focus of the project group is the development of sub-6 GHz 5G new radio (NR) small cells for outdoor and indoor use cases. The next phase will incorporate millimetre wave 5G NR small cells.
Collaboration: “A model that works”
Ron Marquardt, Vice President of Technology Innovation at Sprint, said, “Industry collaboration is a model that works. With a vibrant community, the model streamlines processes and delivers a high volume of contributions, all leading to rapid innovation. We’re excited to co-chair this effort and help lead the development of sub-6 GHz 5G NR small cells based on open reference designs.”
The Open RAN 5G NR project group will also coordinate with organisations such as 3GPP, O-RAN Alliance and others.