Embracing Open RAN through Hyperscalers: A Strategic Overview
The O-RAN architecture is built on three layers:
The hardware layer includes server blades, sleds, network switches, storage, etc.
The middle layer (or cloud stack) consists of operating systems, cloud management software, and container or VM management software.
The top layer comprises the O-RAN network function applications for the O-CU and O-DU.
The O-Cloud, with its cloud computing capabilities, hosts and runs O-RAN network functions using a set of hardware and software. It includes compute, networking, and storage components and provides specific hardware and software functional elements such as RAN physical layer accelerators and security.
The O-Cloud specification provides multiple service locations from cell sites to edge and regional clouds, offering flexible deployment options to operators. Centralization of the O-DU brings benefits in terms of CAPEX and OPEX for resource pooling and easy maintenance and management.
Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) is recommended for managing O-RAN network functions due to its ability to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications.
AWS provides multiple solutions regarding O-RAN component deployment and open interfaces. AWS Cloud is described as a secure, extensive, and reliable cloud platform, and Amazon EC2 is a suitable computing service for the O-DU of cell sites.