Open RAN Functional Splits
High-Level Report
Instructor: Abdelrahman Osama
Prepared by:
Reham Khaled Sayed
1. Introduction
2. Open RAN Architecture
3. Concept of Functional Splits
4. Transport Network in Open RAN
5. Overview of Main Functional
Splits
Split 6
Split 7
Split 8
6. Benefits of Open RAN
Functional Splits
7. Implementations and
Deployment
8. Conclusion
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Open RAN is a modern radio access network architecture that
separates the traditional base station into different functional
units instead of one closed system. This allows network functions
to be placed at different locations along the network, giving
operators more flexibility in how the network is designed and
operated. By using open interfaces, Open RAN enables different
components such as the Radio Unit, Distributed Unit, and
Centralized Unit to work together, even if they come from
different vendors. This approach helps reduce costs and allows
network engineers to balance performance, efficiency, and
deployment needs while keeping radio functions close to the
antenna and placing other functions where they work best.
2. Open RAN Architecture
The traditional base station is divided into three main
components:
Radio Unit (RU):
The RU is responsible for transmitting and receiving radio
signals through the antenna. It handles the radio frequency
(RF) functions and is located at the cell site.
Distributed Unit (DU):
The DU is mainly software-based and may include some
functions that are normally part of the Radio Unit. It performs
time-critical processing and is usually placed close to the RU.
It processes user data and manages real-time
communication functions.
Centralized Unit (CU):
The CU handles higher-level control and management
functions. It can be deployed centrally in a data center or
cloud, allowing multiple DUs to be controlled from one
location. It keeps the main baseband functions such as
digital processing.
This separation allows operators to place different functions
where they perform best, depending on latency and performance
requirements
3. Concept of Functional Splits
A functional split defines how network functions are divided
between the RU, DU, and CU. Instead of all processing being done
in one place, Open RAN allows these functions to be split in
different ways. This helps operators optimize performance, cost,
and network design.
The choice of functional split depends on several factors,
including:
Required service quality such as latency and data rate
User density in the area
Availability and quality of transport networks Different
environments, such as urban or rural areas, may need
different splits.
4. Transport Network in Open RAN
The Open RAN architecture uses three main types of network
connections:
Fronthaul: connects the RU and DU
Midhaul: connects the DU and CU
Backhaul: connects the CU to the core network
Each of these links has different performance requirements.
For example, fronthaul requires very low latency, while
backhaul can cover long distances to the core network
5. Overview of Main Functional Splits
Split 6
This split is mainly used for small cell deployments. More
processing functions are placed in the radio unit, which simplifies
the rest of the network. It is a cost-effective solution and supports
multi-vendor interoperability.
Split 7
Split 7 is commonly used in dense and urban areas. It provides a
good balance between performance and cost. It is suitable for
high capacity 4G and 5G networks and supports advanced
technologies such as Massive MIMO.
Split 8
Split 8 is mainly used for older generations such as 2G and 3G.
Most processing is centralized, while the radio unit only handles
RF functions. This makes it simple and suitable for low-traffic
networks.
[Link] of Open RAN Functional Splits
Open RAN functional splits offer several advantages:
Greater flexibility in network design
Lower deployment and operation costs
Support for different vendors and technologies
Better adaptation to different use cases and environments
These benefits make Open RAN an attractive solution for modern
and future mobile networks.
7. Implementations and Deployment
The O-RAN Alliance has introduced the concept of O-Cloud as part
of the Open RAN architecture. O-Cloud enables the use of cloud
technologies to deploy and manage RAN functions in a flexible
and automated way. It supports both edge clouds, where the
Centralized Unit (CU) can be deployed, and far edge cloud, where
the Distributed Unit (DU) and Radio Unit (RU) can be deployed
closer to the network edge.
Many operators prefer to deploy DU and CU on site using compact
and energy-efficient equipment. This approach reduces
deployment cost and system complexity. Some vendors, such as
Nokia, believe that the most practical split is between the RU and
DU, while keeping the DU and CU functions more centralized. The
effectiveness of using different vendors for DU and CU is still
being evaluated.
Overall, Open RAN functional splits are expected to reduce
network costs when open interfaces are used between hardware
and software components, as they allow greater flexibility and
vendor interoperability
8. Conclusion
Open RAN introduces a flexible and open way to build radio
access networks. By dividing network functions into RU, DU, and
CU and using different functional splits, operators can design
networks that match their specific needs. No single split is
suitable for all scenarios. Instead, different splits are used
depending on the technology, location, and service requirements.
This approach helps improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support
future wireless technologies.