Source-This post on Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is based on the article “New niche base station solutions by TIH to realize government vision of affordable connectivity for all” published in “PIB” on 10th February 2024.
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Science and Technology recently unveiled a new technological solution designed specifically for stations based on Open Radio Access Network (ORAN).
What is Open Radio Access Network (ORAN)?
1. About– It is not a technology but rather a continuous evolution in mobile network architectures that enables service providers to integrate non-proprietary subcomponents sourced from diverse vendors.
2. Features- ORAN features an open, multi-vendor architecture for deploying mobile networks, contrasting with the single-vendor proprietary architecture.
3. Conventional RAN vendor limitation– Traditionally, RAN infrastructure has been provided by a few major vendors, which has led to vendor lock-in and limited flexibility for network operators.
4. Software-Defined Collaboration– ORAN employs software to enable hardware from various manufacturers to collaborate effectively.
5. Protocol and Interface Openness– The main idea behind Open RAN is to ‘open up‘ the protocols and interfaces among different parts (such as radios, hardware, and software) in the RAN.
6. New solution for ORAN– Recently, the new ORAN base station solution is being designed and developed for commercialization by IIITB COMET Foundation (COMET), Bengaluru. Its aim is to create efficient wireless communication technology for 5G and 5G-Advanced radio networks.
Note– COMET is one of the 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIH) established under the National Mission for Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
What is Radio Access Network (RAN)?
| About | It is a crucial component of a mobile network that connects individual devices to different parts of the network using cellular radio connections. |
| Objective | To enable fast and dependable connectivity at an affordable cost for remote and underserved regions. |
| Features and Functions | 1. It includes antennas that send and receive signals to and from our smartphones or other compatible devices. 2. The signal is then converted into digital format at the Radio Access Network (RAN) base station and linked to the network. |
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