Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is a disaggregated approach to deploying mobile fronthaul and midhaul networks built entirely on cloud native principles. O-RAN underscores streamlined 5G-RAN performance objectives through the common attributes of efficiency, intelligence and versatility. Open RAN deployed at the network edge will benefit 5G applications such as autonomous vehicles the IoT, and support network slicing use cases.

The Distributed Unit (O-DU), is responsible for real time Layer1 and Layer2 scheduling functions, it sits close to the Radio Unit (O-RU) and runs the RLC, MAC, and parts of the PHY layer. This logical node includes a subset of the eNB/gNB functions, depending on the functional split option, and its operation is controlled by the Centralized Unit (O-CU).