Keysight and Malaga Collaborate on Open RAN

Keysight Technologies and the University of Malaga’s MobileNet lab have joined forces to advance Open RAN development by focusing on testing the RAN Intelligent Controller. This collaboration aims to develop models for rigorous testing of Open RAN radio access network intelligent controllers and associated functions, enabling evaluation of both near-real-time and non-real-time functionalities.

The MobileNet Mobile & Aerospace Networks Lab, located within the Telecommunications Institute (TELMA) at the University of Malaga in Spain, has chosen Keysight's RAN Intelligent Controller Test Solutions (RICtest) for this development. The RICtest solution provides a crucial foundation for testing and training RIC xApps / rApps that implement advanced AI / ML algorithms.

MobileNet's successful implementation of the RICtest solution allows for experimentation in open-loop and close-loop scenarios, facilitating precise evaluation and optimization of AI and ML algorithms. Keysight's RICtest solution accurately emulates all E2 node types standardized by the O-RAN Alliance, enabling comprehensive testing of RIC functionalities at any scale.

Moreover, the solution supports modeled measurements to assess the AI and ML processing of xApps and rApps, demonstrating Keysight's commitment to driving Open RAN deployments through innovative test solutions. Cao Peng, Vice President and General Manager for Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, expressed excitement about collaborating with the MobileNet team to shape advanced management approaches using the virtualized RICtest solution.

As the industry transitions to Open RAN architecture, the importance of testing RICs becomes increasingly evident. RICs play a critical role in controlling Open RANs, comprising near-real-time RICs for low-latency functionalities and non-real-time RICs for less time-sensitive operations. Testing RICs and their associated apps is essential to drive network innovation, ensure interoperability, and validate performance.

Sergio Fortes, Associate Professor and Telecoms+AI/ML Researcher for MobileNet at the University of Malaga, highlighted the significance of the RICtest solution in supporting cutting-edge R&D activities. MobileNet's extensive testbeds and network infrastructure, including end-to-end 5G, vRAN, and Open RAN networks, position the lab as a key player in 5G / 6G and Open RAN research and development.