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Course Information

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Day 01: O-RAN Fundamentals

Trainees will learn the fundamentals of O-RAN and key aspects of xApp development in the course. First, we will recap the fundamentals of the 5G network architecture, reviewing the 3GPP standardization role, access and core network components, and some basic terminology. Then, we will discuss the motivation and concepts behind O-RAN, including the softwarization of RAN functionality, the disaggregation of RAN components, interoperability through open interfaces, and O-RAN's embedding of network intelligence through xApps and rApps. We will dive deep into the O-RAN ecosystem and its approach to RAN management, examining the architecture, control loops, building blocks, and communication interfaces. We will focus specifically on the interaction between O-RAN's Radio Intelligent Controllers (RICs) and RAN nodes (RUs, DUs, CUs), looking closely into the E2 Interface and the Functional Split 7.2x. Trainees will also gain insight into the O-RAN Alliance stakeholders and the technical work group structure, as well as the standardization, testing, and certification processes.

Day 02: Interacting with the Near-RT RIC and Developing xApps

Trainees will practice the O-RAN fundamentals and conduct hands-on experiments leveraging computational resources from the CCI xG Testbed cloud infrastructure. Trainees will learn how to interact with the Near-RT RIC to manage xApps and leverage different APIs and communication interfaces to develop their own xApps. We will introduce software packages used for its realization (e.g., Docker, Helm, and Kubernetes) and review basic terminology and commands to interact with them. The training session includes six practical activities where trainees will put into practice the theoretical concepts taught earlier in the course. We will provide each trainee with remote access to a virtual machine with an instance of the Near-RT RIC and a number of pre-developed educational xApps to teach trainees about different aspects and features of xApps in practice. At the end of the course, trainees will learn about the internal components of the Near-RT RIC and the lifecycle management of xApps, becoming ready to develop their own xApps. 
 

Learning Objectives

  • Discover the motivation behind the development of O-RAN
  • Gain an overview of the O-RAN architecture and the O-RAN ecosystem
  • Learn the standardization, testing, certification, and security aspects of O-RAN
  • Use tools from the Near-RT RIC to inspect the operation & manage the lifecycle of xApps
  • Understand the xApps architecture, communication interfaces, and development process
  • Develop xApps able to exchange messages and use persistent storage

Required Background

  • General knowledge about mobile networks and the 5G network architecture
  • Basic understanding of Python development to complete the course's hands-on activities
  • We will recap certain topics, but trainees need to have familiarity with Linux, terminal emulators (bash), remote access (ssh), text editors (nano/vim), and HTTP/REST interfaces on Linux (curl