ORAN-NEXT: Cloud-Native and Intelligent Open RAN Platform for Multi-Vendor 6G Networks
ORAN-NEXT: Cloud-Native and Intelligent Open RAN Platform for Multi-Vendor 6G Networks
ORAN-NEXT aims to design, implement, validate, and demonstrate a cloud-native Open RAN architecture enabling highly interoperable, intelligent, and energy-efficient multi-vendor 5G/6G radio access networks. The project focuses on O-RU, O-DU, and O-CU disaggregation, AI-powered RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs), and secure xAPP/rAPP integrations. By the end of the project, ORAN-NEXT will achieve TRL 5–6 through laboratory integration and validation in realistic testbeds and operator-grade environments, supporting enhanced performance, automation, and openness for European telecom ecosystems.
Specific Objectives
1. Architecture & Specifications: Define multi-vendor Open RAN reference architecture aligned with O-RAN Alliance specifications.
2. Prototype Development (TRL 5):
- Build functional prototypes of O-DU, O-RU, O-CU, near-RT RIC, and non-RT RIC.
- Implement transport stack (F1, E1, Open Fronthaul, A1, E2).
3. AI/ML for RAN Optimization: Develop xApps and rApps for energy savings, mobility optimization, anomaly detection, and RAN slicing.
4. Impact & Exploitation:
- Accelerate the European Open RAN ecosystem.
- Contribute to O-RAN Alliance working groups and standardization.
- A1 Networks Elements and Infrastructures
- A10 Network Management and operation
- A11 Autonomic / Open Networks / Ad-hoc Networks
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Contact
Company: Trinity College Dublin
Type of Organisation: University
Country: Ireland {Republic}
Web: https://www.tcd.ie/scss/people/academic-staff/nguyenva/
Telephone: 0388961484
Brief description of my Organisation
Trinity College Dublin (TCD), founded in 1592, is Ireland’s leading university and a globally recognised centre of excellence in research, innovation, and education. The university has a strong track record in advanced telecommunications, wireless networking, distributed systems, and AI-driven technologies, supported by world-class laboratories and interdisciplinary research centres such as CONNECT, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks.
TCD researchers are actively involved in next-generation communications research, including 5G/6G architectures, Open RAN, edge computing, cybersecurity, network automation, and intelligent control systems. The university has extensive experience participating in and coordinating European and international collaborative projects, contributing both deep scientific expertise and strong innovation capacity.
Through participation in CELTIC-NEXT, Trinity College Dublin aims to advance cutting-edge Open RAN research, strengthen multi-country collaboration, and contribute to the development of open, intelligent, and interoperable network technologies that will support Europe’s leadership in future connectivity systems.
