O-RAN - the Next Step for 5G

Advances in telecommunications capabilities are a major driver in Department of Defense programs. From creating secure private networks that U.S. military forces and their partners can use in conflicts to integrating 5G capabilities to create “smart” warehouses to significant improvements in supply chain logistics, DoD has been committed to investing in rethinking the meaning and applications of communications.

One of the next steps is O-RAN – Open Radio Access Networks. O-RAN is based on developing interoperability and standardization of radio access networks, including a unified interconnection standard for hardware and software, including open source, from many different vendors. For instance, there is ongoing research by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, conducted by Virginia Tech, to test O-RAN configurations and capabilities, funded in part by the CHIPS Act.

Learning Objectives:

• Outline the security considerations for O-RAN open ecosystems for military and commercial networks because of the multi-vendor environment
• Define ways that both defense and civilian agencies can collaborate with industry, academia, and international partners in O-RAN research and development
• Identify the ways that successful O-RAN implementations will benefit both DoD and the broader needs of the U.S.