Interconnect Components for Open RAN
Open Radio Access Networks, also referred to as Open RAN or O-RAN, provide network flexibility by allowing RAN interfaces to operate between different vendors' equipment, and they can be implemented in vendor-neutral hardware.
What is Open RAN?
To understand Open RAN, it is helpful to understand how networks work. There are two domains of wireless/mobile networks: the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Core Network. The RAN consists of the antenna and base station. (Learn more about RAN.) The core is the control system of the network.
Operators have always been able to use one vendor for their core network and a separate vendor for the RAN. However, using different vendors between RAN equipment has not always been possible. Traditional RAN solutions make it difficult to mix vendors for the radio and baseband unit, and in most cases, they come from the same supplier.
Enter Open RAN. Open RAN changes this by enabling operators to mix and match components from different vendors. Additionally, it opens interfaces inside the base station.
There are three main components of an Open RAN: a radio unit (RU), a distributed unit (DU) and a centralized unit (CU). The RU transmits, receives and amplifies RF signals. Part of the base station, the DU and CU send digitized radio signals into the network.
Benefits of Open RAN
There are many advantages of Open RAN. To start, it gives more vendors opportunities to participate in the network. This increased opportunity leads to more choices for customers. Open RAN standards have been championed for their ability to provide more competition in the market, improve network innovation and differentiation and reduce equipment costs. Utilizing Open RAN offers cost savings in terms of both capital and operating expenses. It can also provide flexibility for 5G applications.
OCTIS™ for Open RAN
OCTIS is Radiall’s Outdoor Connector Transceiver Inside System. This compact multi-standard series provides interconnection solutions for wireless applications, including RRU/RRH, which is part of RAN. Specifically, it provides the optical/electrical connection between different devices.
In CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) ports, SFP/SFP+ transceivers are needed to ensure the transition of optical and electrical signals. The OCTIS SFP plug offers a solution for this application, providing heat dissipation and ruggedized protection in harsh environments.
The OCTIS power plug can be used in power supply ports. Radiall offers DC and AC to support the different power supply from cabinets or junction boxes.
OCTIS Features & Benefits
OCTIS is a versatile solution with a wide variety of features and benefits, including those listed below.
- Easy installation
- Blind mating
- Visual coding
- Physical coding
- Turn-key design of front panel to integrate the receptacle - Tool-less assembly
- Aesthetic modular design available for all interfaces
- Good thermal dissipation capacity for optical version
- Very competitive price level compared to other conventional solutions in the market
Radiall provides interconnect solutions for applications in the telecom industry, including O-RAN applications. To start the conversation about how OCTIS or any of our other solutions can work for you, book a virtual meeting with a Radiall expert today.