Anritsu Corporation Introduces O-RAN Radio Unit Test Solution

Anritsu Corporation introduces the ORAN Test Platform MX772000PC and O-DU Emulator Platform Software MX773000PC solution for efficient evaluation of the O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU^*1).

The MX772000PC software automates O-RU testing. The MX773000PC emulates O-DU^*2 operation to connect the O-RU and execute O-RAN.WG4.CONF^*3 tests meeting the O-RAN Fronthaul^*4 specifications.

Development Background

Conventional Radio Access Networks (RAN) are configured using communications equipment from a single vendor. However, introduction of Open RAN^*5 interfaces between equipment is currently in progress to facilitate construction and operation of flexible expandable RAN at lower costs.
Widespread deployment of Open RAN faces issues with testing compatibility between equipment supplied by different vendors. Anritsu has developed these new software tools supporting efficient O-RAN Fronthaul tests to solve these issues and help deploy expandable and flexible Open Radio Access Networks.

Product Outline and Features

• MX772000PC
  O-RU Test Automation Software
  • Automates O-RU test in combination with Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A with installed Base Station Test Suite for NR sub-6 GHz MX800046A and MX773000PC.
  • Creates test sequences efficiently by selecting items from GUI.
  
   
• MX773000PC
  Software for Emulating O-DU and Testing O-RU
  • Supports O-RAN.WG4.CONF S-Plane Timing Error Injection tests, assuming drop in clock quality due to synchronization drift caused by multi-vendor compatibility issues, multi-stage switch connections, transmission equipment, etc.
  • Supports easy creation and editing of M-Plane^*6 messages required for connection O-RU to reduce mistakes when creating M-Plane message sequences
  • Sets CUSM-Plane^*7 using one application.

[Technical Terms]

*1 O-RU
Abbreviation for O-RAN Radio Unit complying with O-RAN fronthaul specifications

*2 O-DU
Abbreviation for O-RAN Distributed Unit complying with O-RAN mid-haul and fronthaul specifications and supporting RLC, MAC, and High-PHY wireless UE functions

*3 O-RAN.WG4.CONF
O-RAN Fronthaul Conformance Test specification defined by O-RAN ALLIANCE WG4 Open Fronthaul Interfaces Workgroup

*4 O-RAN Fronthaul
Open I/F between Radio Unit and Distributed Unit standardized by O-RAN ALLIANCE

*5 Open RAN
Term for Radio Access Network configuration using open interface specifications for all communications equipment vendors

*6 M-Plane
Abbreviation for Management Plane, I/F between O-RU and O-DU supporting non-Realtime management; starts and sets O-RU at O-RU test.

*7 CUSM-Plane
Abbreviation for C-Plane, U-Plane, S-Plane, and M-Plane; C-Plane describes group of protocol signals to control network, U-Plane describes group of protocols for sending/receiving user data, and S-Plane describes protocol for synchronizing between network equipment.

About Anritsu

Anritsu is a provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions. Anritsu engages customers as true partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multidimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimization. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for emerging and legacy wireline and wireless technologies used in commercial, private, military/aerospace, government, and other markets.

To learn more visit www.anritsu.com and follow Anritsu on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

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