Kyocera has announced the formation of the O-RU Alliance, a group of companies that will work to develop Open RAN 5G. The initiative is expected to help expand the global telecommunications infrastructure.
The Open RAN model involves using software, including cloud software, and hardware from multiple vendors instead of proprietary systems from a single manufacturer. This approach is designed to reduce telecom operators’ infrastructure costs and reduce their dependence on specific vendors.
Kyocera said in a statement that 5G networks are built using three key components: CU (Central Units), DU (Distributed Units), and RU (Radio Units). While purchasing such equipment from a single vendor may provide certain advantages, it also limits freedom of choice, since the interfaces between the components are closed. The O-RAN Alliance intends to eliminate this limitation.
The alliance aims to create an ecosystem where companies from different regions can collaborate to create more flexible mobile networks. As part of the alliance, Kyocera will open up its CU/DU platforms to accelerate the implementation of Open RAN radio networks. This will contribute to the development of modern communication technologies, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for people around the world, the company says.
Image source: Kyocera
Today, O-RU, in addition to Kyocera, includes six companies operating in the telecommunications sector: Alpha Networks, HFR, Microelectronics Technology, SOLiD, VVDN Technologies and WNC (Wistron NeWeb Corporation). The number of participants is expected to increase in the future.