LGU+ Successfully Validates Open RAN Shared Platform... Moves to Foster Ecosystem

LG Uplus announced on the 25th that it has successfully completed the first-ever Open RAN common platform testing and verification in Korea in collaboration with global platform manufacturers.

This follows LG Uplus's commitment earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Barcelona, Spain, to strengthen cooperation with leading technology companies. Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) is a standard technology that separates the hardware and software of wireless communication equipment such as base stations, enabling interoperability between equipment from different manufacturers. The ‘Open RAN common platform’ verified this time is considered a core element of Open RAN that must be secured to ensure the performance, quality, and stability of virtualization-based base station equipment and to integrate base station software from various manufacturers.

LG Uplus employees are verifying the Open RAN shared platform. [Photo by LG Uplus]

Once Open RAN platform technology is commercialized, just as terminal applications can be downloaded and run from an app store, base station software will also be able to selectively download and execute only the desired functions at individual base stations. Furthermore, it will be possible to move away from the existing passive operation method centered on hardware from specific equipment suppliers and configure a software-centric network based on artificial intelligence (AI), operating it in an optimized state.

By utilizing the Open RAN common platform, when a large number of servers need to be installed at locations distributed nationwide, software can be easily installed remotely from a central location. Communication service providers can use this to secure flexibility in network construction and create a more efficient Open RAN ecosystem, while customers will be able to enjoy communication services with more stable quality.

Since March, LG Uplus has been cooperating with global platform manufacturers to develop the Open RAN common platform to lead the domestic Open RAN ecosystem creation. To this end, LG Uplus established an Open RAN common platform research network at Magok Science Park and demonstrated essential functions and operational automation technologies. In addition, LG Uplus is actively participating in technology development, including developing testing and verification equipment that can quickly analyze interworking errors during Open RAN testing in collaboration with the domestic telecommunications equipment manufacturer ‘Innowireless.’ Going forward, LG Uplus plans to closely cooperate not only with overseas global equipment vendors but also with domestic small and medium-sized equipment manufacturers to support the Open RAN ecosystem and secure network competitiveness.

Lee Sang-heon, Head of NW Advanced Development at LG Uplus, said, “Through this collaboration, by applying the latest platform technology to the Open RAN common platform, we expect to prepare Open RAN in a direction advantageous in terms of stability and economy,” adding, “We will continue to strengthen cooperation with leading network (NW) platform technology companies to reliably provide new value to customers.”

Meanwhile, the Open RAN operation platform verified this time was unveiled at the ‘LG 6G Tech Festa’ held on the 17th. The verification results will be introduced at the global Open RAN sharing event ‘PlugFest’ scheduled for the end of November.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.