J and K software releases from the O-RAN Software Community now are available.
Cisco defines an Open Radio Access Networks (O-RANs) as “a nonproprietary version of the Radio Access Network (RAN) system that allows interoperation between cellular network equipment provided by different vendors.”
The goal is to provide open, efficient, and modular RAN platforms. J and K releases both aim at enhancing integration between the O-RAN SC and the OpenAirInterface (OAI), enhancing integration with Intel FlexRAN reference software, and providing a more robust platform for RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) application developers.
The O-RAN Alliance says that the J release offers:
- Improved integration and collaboration with OAI
- An enhanced rApp Manager and enhanced Service Manager with new sample rApps
- A new Python-based O1 Simulator and topology generator
- AI/ML framework updates with Kubeflow integration and R1AP v6.0 support.
The K release, introduced last December, builds on the J release with:
- New AI/ML APIs for model management and retraining pipelines and SDKs for feature and model storage
- Kubernetes operators for RIC deployment and OKD O-Cloud bare-metal support
- Enhanced xApp support and improved integration between O-RAN SC DU and OAI components.
“Open-source innovation is critical to accelerating the adoption of open and intelligent RAN, and projects like the O-RAN SC are poised to lead the way,” Arpit Joshipura, the general manager for Networking, Edge & IoT at The Linux Foundation, said in a press release.
“The work being done in this community is essential in reducing resources required for commercial and product offerings during the transition to next-generation technology. The recent releases represent the next step in that journey.”