Catalyzing the Open RAN ecosystem with GenAI

What is Open RAN?

Open RAN is a Radio Access Network (RAN) that allows equipment and systems from various vendors to interconnect via standardized, open-specification base stations (*1). In conventional RAN, although specifications were standardized by 3GPP (*2), many interfaces were proprietary to each vendor, making it difficult to connect equipment from different vendors. Moreover, the software and hardware of each device were not distinct entities and were often integrated, resulting in vendor lock-in, making it challenging to switch vendor equipment.

To introduce new equipment, functions, or services, it was necessary to ensure that the same vendor supplied all requirements and aligned accordingly. However, with Open RAN, it is possible to interconnect equipment from multiple vendors, allowing the following:

• Building flexible and scalable radio access networks.
• Relative ease to select new and startup vendors.
• Modularization of development.

As a result, CSPs can benefit from reduced CAPEX/OPEX, reduced supply chain risk, and easier monetization through the introduction of new services.

Furthermore, the introduction of Open RAN makes it possible to incorporate functions that automate RAN design and improve RAN optimization more flexibly. The introduction of Open RAN makes it possible to open interfaces, disaggregate hardware & software, and make RAN intelligent. These are the three main characteristics of Open RAN.

NTT Group is promoting the implementation of Open RAN with NTT DOCOMO as the mobile operator. In February 2018, DOCOMO established the O-RAN ALLIANCE, an industry association aimed at advancing open interface and intelligent RAN in cooperation with CSPs around the world. In March 2020, DOCOMO became the first mobile operator in the world to launch Open RAN 5G services throughout Japan (*1). In February 2021, DOCOMO launched the Open RAN Ecosystem (OREC), currently known as OREX, Open RAN Ecosystem eXperience, to promote Open RAN together with global hardware vendors, software vendors, and system integrators (*3). As of July 2024, 32 companies, including 16 OREX partners, 7 OREX RU partners, and 9 OREX delivery partners are participating in OREX to promote Open RAN.

NTT DATA is also participating in OREX as a system integrator to promote the introduction of Open RAN by supporting numerous studies and simulations necessary for CSPs. Additionally, we are conducting studies and verification for the introduction of End-to-End Network Orchestration, Network Slicing, and Operation Automation using Open RAN around the world.

Current Open RAN scenario in NTT Group

As Open RAN picks up pace around the world, the challenges surrounding its implementation become more apparent.

Open RAN can help you build a flexible and highly scalable network using hardware and software from new companies and startups. But at the same time, the number of interoperability tests between each vendor's hardware and software increases. While the introductory cost can be reduced by using general-purpose HW, there are concerns about an increase in power consumption and initial integration workload. In other words, while the introduction of Open RAN is expected to reduce CAPEX, there is a concern of OPEX increase.

DOCOMO is actively addressing these challenges through its OREX initiatives. The total cost of ownership (TCO) has decreased by 30% through the reduction of procurement expenses for general-purpose servers, consolidating equipment to reduce the number of required servers, and lowering electricity costs. Power consumption has decreased by 50% by adopting accelerators and general-purpose servers using the latest semiconductors and consolidating equipment to reduce the number of required servers. Moreover, the workload for network design has been reduced by half through the automation of parameter design and configuration during the construction of base stations (*3).

NTT DATA believes further OPEX reductions can be expected by leveraging solutions for autonomous networks that utilize Generative AI. For example, the emergence of different solutions that utilize GenAI include full automation of network operations, optimization for customers in non-specialized customer contact departments, and increased use of auto-scaling, auto-recovery, and auto-healing. However, these are not solutions dedicated to Open RAN but have been developed as solutions to realize autonomous networks. The modularization of development of Open RAN allows for easy implementation of GenAI solutions, making it one of its defining characteristics.

Although 4G utilizes Self-Organizing Network (SON) and 5G Open RAN includes automation capabilities like Real Time/Non-Real time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), the integration of GenAI will further boost its capabilities and offer several benefits to CSPs. This will expedite the resolution of Open RAN obstacles, hasten the advancement of individual Open RAN features, and further accelerate the overall growth of Open RAN by driving technological progress.

NTT DATA is actively working on GenAI utilization for:

• Transformation of NTT DATA's value chain: Significant improvement in work efficiency and productivity (achieved up to 70% improvement in productivity).
• Transformation of our clients' value chain: Improvement of the value proposition to the customers and contribution to customer's business results (achieved in over 200 projects).
• Governance: Safe and secure use of GenAI (establishment of Global Generative AI Office, establishment of AI advisory board, formulation of AI guidelines and policies).

From 2023 to 2024, NTT DATA ramped up investment in GenAI by approximately seven times. We are also conducting PoCs with clients in various fields to consider new GenAI use cases.

NTT DATA is contributing to the advancement of Open RAN by verifying the implementation of these use cases in Open RAN and examining potential GenAI solutions that can be utilized for Open RAN. NTT DATA participated in four Catalyst Projects at TM Forum DTW Ignite, held in Copenhagen in June 2024. The Catalyst Projects presented effective opportunities to consider the application of GenAI to Open RAN.

Opportunities with GenAI

Open RAN has three main characteristics: 1. Open interfaces 2. Virtualization that enables separation of hardware and software 3. Intelligent RAN. Thanks to these characteristics, CSPs can build flexible and scalable radio access networks, select from new and startup vendors easily, and modularize development. In other words, CSPs can obtain benefits in reduction of CAPEX/OPEX and supply chain risk, as well as improved ease of monetization through the introduction of new services. However, in the current market situation, little consideration has been given to the benefit of improved ease of monetization. This points out the fact that cost reduction using Open RAN is recognized widely in the market, but monetization using Open RAN has received minimal attention.

5G mobile networks are not currently being considered for monetization. The upcoming trend is to monetize through Open RAN. Introducing Open RAN into the mobile network has the potential to make the system more adaptable. This transformation will simplify the process of building a mobile network that can seamlessly integrate with both current and upcoming systems. It will also enable the implementation of new services that involve collaboration with Business Support System (BSS), such as automatically activating premium services during low RAN traffic periods.

Incorporating GenAI into Open RAN, not only makes it possible to build an autonomous network but can also propose new purchasing behavior through the analysis of customer information. GenAI increases the speed of development, which means that the speed at which new monetization can be considered also increases. Therefore, NTT DATA is accelerating the development of new services and new monetization by conducting PoCs with clients in various fields.

One potential strategy for monetization using 5G mobile networks could involve implementing Open RAN and GenAI.

Open RAN: The catalyst for 5G

The implementation of Open RAN offers multiple advantages for CSPs. These benefits not only aid in cutting costs, but also in generating profits. A critical element in this process is GenAI, which also speeds up the adoption of Open RAN. Instead of solely considering the integration of Open RAN, it is crucial to consider its utilization as well.

• (*1) NTT DOCOMO, The World of Open RAN
• (*2) 3GPP
• (*3) NTT DOCOMO, OREX