O-RAN PlugFest Highlights Energy Efficiency and More

The semi-annual Global PlugFests, co-sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance and hosted by operators, OTICs, and academic or research institutions, aim to enable efficient progress of the O-RAN ecosystem through well-organized testing and integration in a neutral environment. The Spring 2024 PlugFest delivered achievements in five themes.

O-RAN energy consumption, efficiency, and savings testing were among the key focuses of the Spring 2024 PlugFest. Participating labs successfully tested O-RAN energy-saving use cases in different network conditions, helping to optimize RAN Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and overall sustainability of mobile network operations.

Demonstrating consistent and repeatable open fronthaul testing in multiple labs was another significant accomplishment of the PlugFest. Several hosts partnered to prove the ability to achieve consistent testing results in independent labs, ensuring testing reliability across regions and supporting certification of O-RAN based products.

Open fronthaul transport testing with multiple O-RUs was a highlight of the Spring 2024 PlugFest. Hosts and participants successfully extended the number of multi-vendor interoperable configurations in different setups and conditions, broadening the offer of O-RAN solutions for mobile operators.

The PlugFest also verified readiness to automatically deploy and configure Layer 1 accelerators for efficient testing in different network configurations. This testing with Layer 1 acceleration showcased advancements in O-RAN system testing capabilities.

Furthermore, focusing on increasing efficiency of O-RAN network deployments, PlugFest participants demonstrated automation of testing in various areas including testbed setup, security testing, rApps/xApps, and RIC testing. Utilizing CI/CD processes, the application of automation in different labs was a key aspect of the Spring 2024 PlugFest.

O-RAN Global PlugFest Spring 2024, co-hosted by 20 operators, OTICs, and academic and research institutions, was conducted from February to May 2024 in 18 labs across Asia, Europe, and North America. The PlugFest had 86 participating companies or institutions, some of which participated in more than one venue.

Chih-Lin I, Co-chair of O-RAN Alliance's Technical Steering Committee and China Mobile Chief Scientist, Wireless Technologies, China Mobile Research Institute, emphasized the importance of PlugFests in complementing the O-RAN Alliance's specification efforts. She stated, "Targeting testing and integration efforts on priority themes helps to streamline and focus PlugFest work, facilitating the development of a healthy and competitive market of innovative O-RAN based products and services."

For more information, visit www.o-ran.org