Open/secure 5G and supplier diversification

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Open RAN was the significant topic of debate due to its perceived advantages, challenges, and potential impacts on the cost efficiency, energy efficiency, and particularly, security sectors. An insightful report, highlighting the crucial role secure and stable infrastructure plays in realising an ideal Internet connection, was considered in these discussions.

Open RAN, as a technology, was recognised for its potential capacity to deliver this aspirational state of the Internet, which is inclusive and free from fragmentation.

Security concerns associated with the implementation of open RAN were notably addressed.

Apprehensions arose over the introduction of new interfaces, which could present security challenges due to a larger exposure to threats. Nonetheless, there was an optimistic belief that these complications could be overcome by utilising advanced and innovative technologies.

From a broader perspective, open RAN was identified as an influential tool in invigorating competition, fueling innovation, and optimising resources, critical in enhancing digital capabilities in rural communities.

Its framework invites an increased number of players into the field, promoting healthy competition and invariably encouraging innovation. However, the dawn of this technology era also brings concerns. With the transparency that open RAN introduces, it implies that operators may need to shoulder more responsibility and gain more knowledge about the system’s numerous components.

Financial implications were brought to light as the advent of open RAN might cause a short-term, cost-intensive multivendor system due to the initial, substantial investment needed.

However, open RAN was argued to potentially be more cost-effective in the long-term due to its inherent benefits of flexibility and resource optimisation, which maximises investment returns over time.

Further concerns were raised over the potential environmental impact of new interfaces, possibly leading to a more costly scenario than traditional practices due to potential repercussions on energy efficiency.

The prospective increase in energy demands due to these new interfaces presents a valid concern that needs to be addressed proactively.

The differing opinions and stances concerning the implementation of open RAN served as key evidence for the need to reassess roles and responsibilities between carriers and vendors.

As open RAN demands more system insight from operators, it could potentially affect the dynamic between carriers and vendors.

The panel discussion was excellently received, boasting participants from diverse geographical locations, including Asia, the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

The diverse panel enhanced the quality and balance of the discussion, accommodating the viewpoints of varied professional backgrounds, ranging from telecom carriers and vendors to operators contemplating the introduction of open RAN.

In conclusion, the future of open RAN looks promising.

Despite the challenges addressed in the discussions, the panelists held a positive outlook on future developments and the potential of open RAN. This optimism was shared by Mitsuhiro Hishida, a testament to the industry’s collective belief in open RAN’s transformative capability and its potential as a backbone of technological advancement.

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Led by the Future Connectivity Team, the Australian Government is demonstrating robust support for emerging technologies such as Open RAN. Recognised for its potential to provide more cost-effective mobile telecommunications solutions, Open RAN stands out as a promising alternative to single-vendor solutions.

This support aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering an open, interoperable, secure, and transparent telecommunications market.

Efforts to diversify Australia’s national telecommunications supply chain are proactively under way. As part of these endeavours, the government has endorsed various statements such as prior proposals on telecommunications supply diversity and the Quad Memorandum of Cooperation on 5G supply diversification in Open RAN.

This proactive engagement underscores the government’s commitment to the broad deployment of Open RAN and its corresponding benefits.

One significant domestic initiative worth noting is the establishment of the Secure-G Connectivity Test Lab. Expected to be operational by mid-2024, this facility aims to offer an environment where industry can thoroughly test their equipment, standards, software, and protocols.

The development of such a lab underscores the government’s drive to bolster technology supply chain security and resilience, signifying a crucial shift towards mitigating supply-chain risks.

The government has adopted a cooperative stance regarding lab activities, a move that supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Shared testing methodologies at the global level have the potential to accelerate development timeframes and enhance telecommunications integration and consistency.

Moreover, there’s a broader push to extend engagement across the testing ecosystem. Collaboration with Open Testing and Integration Centres (OTICs) is an evident instance of this, alongside active partnership with government counterparts in the US and UK, and research institutions.

These international collaborations highlight Australia’s commitment to SDG 17 (Partitions for the Goals), embodying a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to bolstering telecommunications security.

Collaborative research is being conducted with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to develop next-generation telecommunications security requirements.

This research, geared towards developing secure protocols for interoperable virtualised telecommunications technologies, will establish a sovereign evidence base that the industry can utilise as a foundation to build upon.

In conclusion, the Australian Government’s comprehensive engagement with Open RAN and its dedication to diversifying the national telecommunications supply chain underscore a strategic commitment towards nurturing the telecommunications sector.

Supported by a cooperative global approach and emphasis on research, this portrays a promising picture of Australia’s progressive stance towards telecommunications security, innovation, and infrastructure.

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In his analysis, Anil Umesh recognises the significant potential of Open RAN technology in fostering a vibrant supplier ecosystem. He believes this ecosystem, by encouraging the emergence of various innovative vendors and providers, paves the way for a secure and stable delivery of internet services.

Crucially, this aligns perfectly with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and could be instrumental in achieving reduced inequalities, thereby adhering to SDG 10.

Open RAN’s role in promoting an inclusive internet infrastructure is of key importance. As per Umesh, the technology supports a free, unified and unbiased internet, given that it propels diverse suppliers to deliver superior services.

Although the introduction of novel interfaces by Open RAN does present security challenges, it is significant to affirm that transparent specifications and standards within Open RAN can counteract this. This transparency, in turn, can result in security enhancements, aligning with the technology’s overarching objective of stable internet services.

Furthermore, the participation of newcomers in the Open RAN sphere could introduce innovative solutions that can effectively tackle the security challenges.

Given inherent security issues linked with technology, such potential for improved security is indeed noteworthy.

A primary advantage of Open RAN and VRAN resides in their cost-effectiveness. The introduction of these technologies by Entity Tokomo since the beginning of 5G in 2020 has prompted competition, yielding cost benefits.

Despite the potential for additional costs introduced by the new aspects of Open RAN and VRAN, the overall benefit in terms of costs is evident, representing a net gain for entities like Tokomo.

Open RAN’s energy efficiency is another compelling case for its adoption.

With continuous advancements in hardware such as CPUs and servers, more energy-efficient components have emerged. Further, software advancements like Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) and automation tools can manage hardware and reduce energy consumption in Open RAN.

Finally, the advent of Open RAN is leading to a shift in roles between carriers and vendors.

There’s a transformation towards increased transparency and active participation for operators. This change could pose notable challenges for entities with fewer resources, as they may grapple with system integration in the face of the need for heightened communication with emerging IT vendors.

In conclusion, despite potential challenges, Open RAN technology presents significant benefits – be it in generating an inclusive internet, providing security, or offering cost and energy efficiencies.

The technology’s extensive potential renders it crucial for the industry, vendors, and suppliers, guaranteeing an inclusive, energy-conscious, and cost-effective future.

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In the realm of telecommunications, Ericsson as an enterprise has displayed a keen commitment to ongoing technological advancements, particularly in relation to open RAN and O-RAN technologies. The company has projected a positive sentiment towards these developments, reinforcing their dedication through substantial contributions to the open-run security community.

Ericsson’s strategy involves leveraging existing technologies while progressively introducing innovative elements such as artificial intelligence, cloudification, and advanced 5G.

In terms of expanding the network infrastructure, Ericsson is dynamically reshaping its product portfolio. This evolution is aimed at creating an adaptable ecosystem built on competitive capabilities, pursuing cost-effectiveness, and delivering efficient services.

A key element of this vision is the integration of 5G technology, which is expected to revolutionise industry standards and stimulate enterprise mobility.

However, these ambitious advancements come with challenges, primarily focused on issues of security, compliance, and rigorous adherence to global standards.

As the technology landscape continues to mature, Ericsson is dealing with an increasingly intricate network infrastructure. The advent of 5G technology has augmented these challenges, with the technology encompassing over a hundred open interfaces, each requiring standardisation, fortification, and stringent security measures.

Simultaneously, Ericsson is making significant strides in energy conservation.

The company has set an ambitious target of reducing power consumption in its 5G base stations by 40% compared to 4G levels. To achieve targeted power performance savings, Ericsson insists on the necessity for dedicated silicon solutions, citing the inadequacy of general-purpose processors in meeting these energy efficiency targets.

While integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into the RAN ecosystem, Ericsson has understood and acknowledged the complex aspects involved in the process.

This involves integrating different components within the national network, a task that requires considerable effort, time, and a universally compliant set of global standards.

Despite a journey strewn with complicated hurdles, Ericsson remains optimistic about the future. It anticipates improved O-RAN performance and envisions a heterogeneous network landscape with diverse implementations and trade-offs depending on individual deployment scenarios.

In conclusion, Ericsson’s approach to network development emphasises a balance between individual decision-making and collective commitment.

The company encourages independent decision-making while nurturing a collaborative atmosphere and promoting learning from peers. In this evolving digital era, maintaining robust cybersecurity is a top priority for Ericsson, driving its active involvement in diligent network building alongside partners, vendors, and even competitors.

Through a combination of innovation, diligence, and collaboration, Ericsson aspires to lead the way in transforming telecommunications for a brighter, more connected future.

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The development and deployment of open radio access networks (Open RAN) have emerged as a strategic priority for the US government, reflecting positive alignment with SDG 9, which encourages the establishment of a robust techno-infrastructure base and the promotion of innovation.

The potential of Open RAN to enhance security, improve performance, and offer cost-efficiencies is widely recognised. Entities such as the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences in Boulder, Colorado, are actively engaged in Open RAN-related research, underpinning the active role of the US government in this sphere.

In a bid to catalyse the advancement of Open RAN, the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund has been established.

Despite a lack of detailed information regarding the functioning and focus of the Fund, its existence signifies proactive financial support from public authorities to promote Open RAN’s development, deployment, and implementation. This aims to fortify the infrastructure required for sustainable industries, thereby aligning with the goals of SDG 9.

Whilst the crucial role of government support and involvement in escalating Open RAN is noted, consensus advocates that the initiative should be industry-driven, thus enabling greater industry responsibility and engagement.

In this regard, the O-RAN Alliance has taken a leading role in establishing a network of research and development labs on a global scale. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to innovation, the O-RAN Alliance incorporates a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including mobile operators, vendors, and research and academic institutions.

International co-operation and collaboration are also gaining momentum as demonstrated by initiatives like the Quad, reinforcing international partnerships in alignment with SDG 17.

Collaborations between Operational Technology Innovations Centres (OTICs), labs, industry, and government are viewed as instrumental in overcoming challenges.

An inclination towards a multi-stakeholder strategy in telecom ecosystems is progressively gaining acceptance. This includes the fostering of open dialogue and collaboration across academic institutions, government bodies, and various industries.

Such an approach ensures an equitable and inclusive framework, aligning with SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequalities, and echoing the essence of multi-stakeholder co-operation implicit under SDG 17.

In summary, the evolution towards open radio access networks offers a transformative opportunity to reshape the dynamics of technological development and implementation.

Given the significant stakeholder investment in Open RAN’s successful progression, both nationally and globally, it may soon emerge as the frontrunner initiative revolutionising the digital world.

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Vodafone has emerged as a market leader within Europe for the implementation and advancement of open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology. This development process spans an impressive seven to eight years, highlighting a firm commitment towards continual innovation in this sphere.

Further evidence of their practical focus can be seen in the deployment of numerous sites across the UK, showcasing the contextual applicability of open RAN within a standardised telecommunications network.

Open RAN technology has the potential to address pressing security challenges in the telecommunications sector.

This is achieved through the systematic breakdown of each component of the stack, ensuring adherence to standards and thereby amplifying transparency and security within the network. Complementing this approach, Vodafone has advocated for heightened vendor vigilance in security as part of their “secure by design” philosophy and supports comprehensive third-party penetration tests on all components of any system.

Looking at broader industry evolution, the integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and platforms such as Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), and xApps and rApps are poised to transform the operational landscape.

These advancements facilitate customer-friendly capabilities that benefit both operators and customers, leading to increased efficiency in meeting specific user requirements. Significantly, automation has proven effective in reducing operating costs, thanks to its ability to optimise network performance and predict potential component failures.

Furthermore, open RAN fosters a vibrant competitive environment in the market, potentially leading to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for operators.

The increased competition this environment nurtures invariably reduces costs, influencing both hardware providers and traditional RAN systems alike.

There are also greener implications in incorporating Open RAN technology. With competitive energy consumption rates, O-RAN Infrastructure Units (IUs) provide a more efficient and sustainable option for network operations when compared to traditional RAN systems, with particular focus on servers and Digital Unit (DU) areas.

Collaboration has emerged as a crucial aspect of this industry evolution.

With a visible shift towards collective effort over the past few years, the implementation of open RAN technology cannot be executed by singular vendors, operators, or suppliers, instead reinforcing the need for efficient collaboration and mutual understanding. Equally essential is the transfer of knowledge and skills in the adoption of O-RAN technology, an important pillar in this fledgeling field.

In conclusion, Vodafone’s pioneering journey in open RAN deployment has enabled secure and efficient commercial operations, yielding widespread benefits for all stakeholders.

The transformative potential of open RAN, unlocked through innovations in AI, automation, and enhanced security practices, is being harnessed in an industry culture that prizes collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This powerful mix promises a thriving future for open RAN technology, marked by boosting competition, delivering best-in-class solutions for diverse environments, and significantly contributing to energy efficiency.

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Rakuten Mobile, a subsidiary of Rakuten Symphony, operates the world’s first fully virtualised cloud-native network based on open Radio Access Network (RAN) technology. Having launched in 2020, it has gathered over five million subscribers and offers coverage to 98% of the population in Japan.

These significant achievements underline their positive influence in advancing the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Their open RAN technology has been verified as effective and is being utilised to create a new network in Germany.

As per Mahesh Kasar’s stance, this groundbreaking technology will shape the future by promoting a democratisation of the network and communication structure. The implication is that open RAN technology can enhance connectivity, particularly in remote areas lacking any G connectivity, thereby promoting human development and helping to reduce inequalities, aligning with respective SDGs.

Rakuten has crafted the world’s largest fully virtualised open-run network and has integrated rigorous security protocols within it.

Their approach encompasses a pragmatic, zero-trust, zero-touch strategy. Practices adopted from the enterprise IT segment, such as utilising robust identity certificates, defining security parameters, segmenting network elements and visualising network activities, have been incorporated to fortify their network security, further instilling confidence in open RAN technology.

In aiming for economic efficiency, Rakuten Mobile has pioneered an open architecture approach involving a multi-vendor ecosystem.

This division of hardware and software has enabled the virtualisation of network components, subsequently lowering costs. Notably, Rakuten has reportedly saved 40% on capital expenditure and 30% on operational expenditure, through the introduction of a multiband system encouraging competition between infrastructure providers.

In addition to financial savings, Rakuten’s open RAN technologies contribute to reducing energy consumption, thus fulfilling their commitment to Affordable and Clean Energy and Responsible Consumption and Production SDGs.

The segregation of software and hardware lessens hardware use, conserving energy. Rakuten additionally employs RAN intelligent controllers and utilises Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart meters to constantly monitor energy consumption, which facilitates further optimisation.

Rakuten Mobile places immense importance on sustainable innovation and carbon emission reduction, aiming for a net-zero future.

Their approach includes optimising data centres and servers to further decrease energy consumption, thus aligning with the Climate Action SDG. Aside from prioritising environmental concerns, they also value diversity, boasting a team comprising skilled professionals from 70 different countries, clearly illustrating their dedication to reducing inequalities.

Concentration on education and quality training is a prominent aspect of Rakuten’s operations.

Through their Learning Hub, they train their staff on open RAN-based technologies. Complementing this, they support the Asia Open RAN Academy in the Philippines, offering training to telecom engineers on open RAN technologies. These efforts crystallise Rakuten’s commitment to Quality Education and Partnerships for the Goals SDGs, proving their dedication to promoting continuous learning and collaboration.

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Perreira da Silva’s Open Testing and Integration Centre (OTIC), based in Washington D.C., is an integral part of the North American OTIC. This globally recognised service commands a unique position as it is embedded within an academic infrastructure.

Major carriers supporting its endeavours include industry stalwarts such as AT&T, Verizon, and DISH.

The OTIC has identified three core areas for its focus: conformance tests, performance tests, and interoperability tests – essential components in ensuring up-to-par standards within the industry.

A commitment to these core areas highlights the centre’s dedication to maintaining and improving the standards of the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.

In line with its academic orientation, the OTIC capitalises on its practical laboratory set up for workforce development.

Specifically, in relation to Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN), it provides engineers with invaluable hands-on practical experience. This unique approach speaks to SDG 4: Quality Education, aligning technological innovation with academia to foster the growth of a laboratory workforce required for future advancements in O-RAN.

Long-term plans of the OTIC demonstrate the centre’s adaptability and foresightedness.

They plan to issue badge certifications – an innovative approach to validate the specific skills and expertise gained during the period of training, further solidifying their stature in the field, and ensuring high standards of testing and verification within the O-RAN ecosystem.

Another noteworthy aspect of the OTIC in Washington D.C.

is its vendor and multi-vendor testing services for disaggregate radio-based, radio-access networking. This not only caters to the commercial sector but also underscores OTIC’s position at the juncture of academia and commercial vendor testing. It also evidences their adaptability in addressing diverse needs within the industry.

Further reinforcement of OTIC’s versatility is seen in the suggestion that open-source frameworks should be effectively functional within the commercial Central Unit (CU), and User-defined RAN Units (UNRU).

Implementing these changes could be enormously beneficial, encouraging innovation and keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies in the dynamic telecommunications industry.

Moreover, OTIC entities are exploring collaboration on a grand scale. They highlight the need to pool resources and jointly develop a minimum viable testing package that can be universally applied.

Achieving this could significantly improve field testing capabilities and ensure quality standards. Ultimately, this could pave the way for an automated testing environment, encouraging efficiency, and furthering innovation.

Automated testing comes with an array of advantages, including cost control and a potential reduction in the time it takes to get products to market.

This aligns with two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The push towards automation harmonises with these goals, demonstrating OTIC’s commitment to creating economic growth and endorsing industry innovation.

Therefore, Perreira da Silva’s OTIC serves as a prime example of how academic institutions can effectively interact with the commercial sector to bolster technological advancements.

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Roderick S. Santiago is currently leading the fixed and wireless network operations at PLDT Smart. He has demonstrated a fervent interest in the application of open RAN (Radio Access Networks) and has been conducting an extensive array of trials on this technology in conjunction with their partner, NTD Docomo.

Santiago exudes positivity when discussing future implementations of open RAN with NTD Docomo, indicating a potential positive development in the industry and in alignment with ‘SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’.

Santiago acknowledges the emergence of new security issues accompanying open-run technology.

However, he firmly believes these challenges are manageable and can be surmounted with robust regulatory frameworks, industry collaborations, and stakeholder engagement. He advocates the introduction of open-run technologies, viewing them as opportunities despite the initial challenges.

The long-term perks, according to Santiago, are significant.

He stated that while open RAN might initially incur greater costs during the transition phase, in the long run, it provides finesse in resource optimisation, uncovers opportunities for more innovative ways to maximise investment, and offers cumulative potential benefits. Leveraging open RAN’s capabilities also contributes towards ‘SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production’.

According to Santiago, open RAN can play a pivotal role in internet governance by boosting both transparency and accountability.

He envisages a future where open RAN not only triggers advancements in low-power consumption equipment but also leads to optimal resource usage, aligning with ‘SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy’ and ‘SDG 13: Climate Action’.

Moreover, he emphasised that energy management forms a crucial pillar of his network vision and conveyed a commitment to further reduce energy consumption.

Santiago is hopeful that implementing open RAN can expedite the realisation of energy-efficient networks whilst simultaneously increasing their coverage and capacity.

Regarding human capacity building, Santiago stresses the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, especially in understanding the implementation and cost-effectiveness of open RAN.

He is actively participating in global discussions on open RAN and is collaborating with NTT Docomo for knowledge sharing. Santiago also supports the development of the ‘Open RAN Academy’ to nurture a set of engineers expert in Open RAN, emphasing planning for continuous learning for this and the next year, aligning with ‘SDG 4: Quality Education’ and ‘SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth’.

In conclusion, Santiago’s views and actions pertaining to open RAN and fixed networks clearly work towards not just the advancement of PLDT Smart’s own network ambitions but also significantly contribute towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals.

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Fujitsu is advancing its preparations for 2025 by leveraging powerful innovations derived from Beyond 5G optics wireless technology, artificial intelligence, and deep learning. The company is focused on enhancing and building intelligence into O-RAN technology. This is being done with a broader objective, to support the convergence of various devices and services, harnessing advancements from the software technology sector for improved integrations.

Openness and Open RAN, a significant trend in the field, are seen as mechanisms for transforming mobile networks.

They inspire a surge in IT technology growth. This inclusive approach opens doors for more IT engineers to join the mobile network industry, thus expanding its foundational support and stimulating innovation for societal benefits.

Fujitsu is also formulating strategies to combat escalating power consumption issues, an outcome of increasingly advanced technology usage worldwide.

The company is demonstrating its dedication to sustainable development by focusing on creating a greener, more sustainable infrastructure. This not only embodies their adherence to clean energy practices but also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7 and 13, promoting affordable clean energy and climate action, respectively.

From a vendor’s perspective, Fujitsu is concentrating on integrating security into their software development process.

This ‘security by design’ approach signifies a proactive commitment to ensuring user data protection and network safety, thereby elevating the overall standard of security in the technology sector.

The ongoing evolution of hardware technology influences cost-effectiveness while facilitating traditional RAN optimisation.

By capitalising on cutting-edge devices, Fujitsu seeks to enhance performance and energy saving. In an industry where device evolution is rapid, the usage of technologies shared by other sectors, like servers, is perceived as a cost-effective strategy.

Moreover, Fujitsu acknowledges the importance of striking a balance between openness and sophistication when defining more implementable Open RAN standardisation.

To optimise energy efficiency and control over resources, the company is inclining towards data centre centralisation and the use of cloud-native solutions. Fujitsu’s initiatives in Open RAN standardisation, hardware-software disaggregation, and involvement with Open RAN and virtual RAN integration projects further solidify Fujitsu’s stance as an industry leader in promoting innovation and infrastructure development, aligning with SDG 9.

In conclusion, Fujitsu is powering forward with a holistic, integrative and sustainable approach to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

By strategically positioning itself within the 5G, AI, and deep learning landscape, and demonstrating a commitment to Open RAN, green technology, and robust security measures, Fujitsu confidently strides towards a new era of excellence in industry innovation and infrastructure.

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The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a widely-respected international platform committed to addressing and coordinating discussions about substantial technological issues, recently held a session dedicated to exploring Open RAN (Radio Access Network) in Kyoto, Japan. These discussions revolved around the advantages, potential challenges, and opportunities associated with Open RAN.

A key element highlighted in the conversation was the potential for supplier diversification presented by the implementation of this groundbreaking technology.

Furthermore, the profound importance of 5G technology had a significant presence in the deliberations, espousing its indispensability in enabling everyday activities seamlessly.

Amplifying this point, both the public and private sectors in Japan are showing intensive joint efforts towards the nationwide deployment of 5G networks. This united endeavour underscores the vital impact that telecommunication structures like 5G carry on infrastructure developments and future growth.

In contributing to these discussions, the insightful report from the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) presented a comprehensive evaluation surrounding the security risks tied to Open RAN technology.

Released in May, this report was based on objective research and extensive technical demonstrations. The investigation emphasised the critical requirement for including security considerations at the forefront of Open RAN discourse, advocating the need for robust planning and strategic risk mitigation against potential threats.

Interestingly, the report’s conclusions provided positive insights.

While Open RAN doesn’t fundamentally shift the security risk landscape for telecommunications, the study found that the technology offers significant cybersecurity advantages. Open RAN’s inherent transparency could grant mobile network operators increased control and management over their networks, without extensive reliance on system vendors.

The research also revealed a fascinating fact that a mere 4% of security risks are exclusive to Open RAN. However, even as it cultivates a sense of security, the report strongly recommended that these risks are manageable and can be mitigated through the proposed strategies in the report.

In summary, the discourse at the IGF, the concentrated efforts towards 5G networks, and the findings of the QUAD’s security report, all point towards a future of telecommunications in which technologies like Open RAN and 5G are pivotal.

Despite the landscape being fraught with challenges, feasible solutions exist to assure an efficient and secure telecommunications infrastructure.

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At a recent convention, Tawara Yasuo ardently supported Open RAN and underscored the need for supplier diversification within the framework of the IGF OpenSecure 5G. In addition to praising endeavours towards ensuring diversified suppliers, Yasuo emphasised the critical need for nationwide network services to safeguard the reliability of the supply chain within the telecommunications sector.

His keynote speech also spotlighted the essential role of security in implementing Open RAN.

Yasuo cited the Open RAN Security Report, issued by QUAD, which offers actionable solutions to potential security risks inherent in Open RAN. He stressed that these risks are parallel to the ones experienced in traditional RAN, thereby dispelling prevalent apprehensions surrounding the introduction of Open RAN.

Consistent with this viewpoint, Yasuo further asserted that, by employing necessary protocols, Open RAN can achieve security standards on par with traditional counterparts.

This sentiment was supported by the revealing statistic that only 4% of security risks are unique to Open RAN, thereby underlining the feasibility of this new system within the telecommunications landscape. In addition, the Open RAN Security Report provides a robust security checklist to assist with establishing required security standards.

Yasuo drew attention to the importance of establishing open and secure networks for the future of the Internet.

Such networks, in his argument, are ‘a very, very important issue’ primed to serve as foundational bedrock for the future expansion and prosperity of the Internet.

Finally, Yasuo fervently advocated the promotion of Open RAN policies. His commitment was evident in his promise to incessantly collaborate with colleagues and like-minded countries to advance these policy issues.

Yasuo’s pronounced sentiment towards innovation within Open RAN policies, coupled with his commitment to promote these initiatives, underscores his robust strategy towards finding sustainable solutions for telecommunications infrastructure.

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Tony Quek presently directs the Beyond 5G (B5G) National Programme in Singapore. Additionally, he steers the Open Testing and Integration Centre (OTIC), announced at the Mobile World Congress in February. Embedded within the Future Communications Initiative, OTIC prioritises security, multi-vendor testing, and sustainability.

Guided by Quek, OTIC plan to augment its capabilities, which involves widening its testing scope to encompass Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs).

Quek’s buoyant outlook foreshadows potential avenues for Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) vendors within the NTN ecosystem, with detailed plans anticipated in the upcoming year.

OTIC intends to amplify its three focal capabilities: robust security testing, creating fuzzy attack root cause analysis tools, and conducting exhaustive sustainability testing.

Demonstrating its proficiency, OTIC has already launched the Radio Interface Group (RIG) tester, highlighting its capacity to perform RIG Risk Assessment and Prioritisation (RAPs) testing across multiple interfaces.

Regarding future cellular network generations, emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of OTICs in providing solutions beyond 5G and 6G.

In line with industry-wide progression, efforts are geared towards the normalisation and mutual recognition amongst OTICs, rather than instigating competition.

Illustrating exceptional leadership, Quek hosted a global OTIC summit in August to foster international collaboration and synergy among OTICs.

This reflects a positive perspective towards collaboration over competition amongst industry leaders.

Investments in remote access are underscored, along with solidifying partnerships with educational institutions, such as the University of Surrey B5G centre. Further cultivating academic integration, Quek is set to collaborate with the Open RAN Academy in the Philippines and the Northeastern University OTIC.

Finally, Quek advocates a model of resource sharing and is diligently defining a “minimum viable profile” for various services.

This strategy optimises resource usage and establishes standardised service profiles across the industry. Consequently, Quek and his team at OTIC aim to promote progress within the industry, thereby contributing towards several Sustainable Development Goals, predominantly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

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OpenLAN, a technological innovation that frames open specifications for differentiated segments of local area networks (LAN), is receiving positive attention due to its inherent benefits of cost efficiency and accelerated technological progression. Promising facets of this invention include the potential for resiliency in networks, by granting individual parts of the system room for upgrades.

Additionally, OpenLAN is recognised for its capacity to spur venture involvement and address pressing issues surrounding safety and supply chain logistics.

Established in 2018, the O-LAN Alliance demonstrates a robust coalition of over 300 member organisations, working towards the creation of the next generation of open, sophisticated wireless access networks.

The Alliance boasts members from Europe, America, and Asia, inclusive of 30 mobile network operators, suggesting a vast global influence on telecommunication practices.

Contributing significantly to these advancements is the Japan OTIC, supported collaboratively by NTT DoCoMo and Rakuten Mobile.

Situated in Yokosuka Research Park Centre, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Japan OTIC continually aids in advancing O-LAN specifications, thereby aiding the development of open, intelligent, virtualised, and secure radio access networks. An important achievement was realised in June when NEC, a globally recognised vendor, was awarded its initial certificate from Japan OTIC.

International coordination and collaborations have a huge bearing on this landscape, considered integral to the development and progression of open radio access networks.

Yushi, a key player, accentuates their importance, attributing the reshaping of radio access networks to the global efforts of the O-LAN Alliance. This alliance, composed of mobile operators, vendors, as well as academic and research institutions worldwide, has been critical to this industry transformation.

Moreover, testing centres like OTICs, which provide an open, collaborative, and vendor-independent environment, are essential to the expansion of the O-RAN sector.

The contribution OTIC will make to encourage the responsible utilisation of AI and emerging technology is still under consideration.

It’s worth noting that O-RAN has only been around for nearly five years, and at present, OTIC’s certification badges primarily deal with conformance, interoperability, and end-to-end parameters. Plans are currently underway to introduce a security badge as an additional certification for OTIC, denoting an ongoing adaptation in this space.

Additional arguments suggest mitigating the digital gap by reducing the procurement costs of communication infrastructure.

Concurrently, sustainability benefits drawn from energy savings in communication equipment are noted for their contribution to a better environmental outlook. The potential environmental impact of these technologies aligns with wider sustainable goals throughout the global community, underpinning the importance of this technological course.

Improving efficiency in OTIC testing and certification remains a pressing challenge, even as motivation to achieve OTIC approval rises among vendors.

The sharing of best practices within OTICs is highly revered, showing successful measures in fostering efficient testing and certification methods. Regularly convening meetings and summits, such as the Global OTIC Summit in Singapore and a meeting in Osaka hosted by a Japanese telecom operator, are applauded for promoting consistent exchange of information among OTICs.

To conclude, the overall sentiment leans positively towards the push for collaboration in the realm of open network development, with the O-LAN Alliance and OTIC at the forefront.

Together, they’ve established an inclusive environment encouraging the open exchange of information and techniques and facilitating an efficient testing and certification process for vendors. By maintaining focus on sustainability and cost efficiency, the ongoing advancements hold promise for a positive future within the Open RAN, 5G, and broader Telecommunications sector.