O-RAN：延迟关键型接口分析及时间敏感网络解决方案概述
O-RAN: Analysis of Latency-critical Interfaces and Overview of Time Sensitive Networking Solutions
浏览论文内容
中文总结 AI 辅助
本文针对O-RAN的延迟关键型接口挑战，分析了IEEE 802.1CM等TSN标准，探讨支持TSN的O-RAN架构设计，为O-RAN采用TSN技术开放vRAN生态系统提供参考。
中文摘要 AI 辅助
5G及B5G/6G的基础高度依赖虚拟化技术，虚拟化无线接入网（vRAN）是其重要基石。传统vRAN长期存在软硬件紧耦合问题，下一代vRAN则遵循云原生原则，目标是采用开放、标准化接口及多厂商可互操作组件，实现真正灵活的部署。O-RAN联盟正推动新型开放RAN架构，以进一步提升灵活性与成本效益。为降低成本并实现承诺的解耦水平，O-RAN需采用共享、集成的传输网络，而非传统方式中专用、过度配置的链路。但在这种高性价比网络（如通用以太网）中，尤其是时间关键型接口，保持确定性性能要求是一项挑战。本文综述了可为O-RAN带来显著效益的相关时间敏感网络（TSN）标准，即IEEE 802.1CM、IEEE 802.1Qbu及IEEE 802.1Qbv，这些标准可在高性价比网络中提供确定性。本文还探讨了支持TSN的O-RAN架构的设计空间，报告了相关要求与部署选项，最后讨论了O-RAN采用TSN技术以全面开放vRAN生态系统时将面临的机遇与挑战。
英文摘要
5G and B5G/6G foundations heavily rely on virtualization technologies, and virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRANs) are one of their major keystones. However, while vRANs have been traditionally suffering from significant hardware/software coupling, next generation vRANs aim for open, standardized interfaces and multi-vendor, interoperable components to enable truly flexible deployments following the cloud-native principles. In this line, the O-RAN Alliance is promoting a novel Open RAN architecture to further boost flexibility and cost efficiency. In order to reduce costs and effectively achieve the promised disaggregation levels, O-RAN must ensure shared, integrated transport networks in opposition to dedicated, over-provisioned links from traditional approaches. However, keeping deterministic performance requirements in such cost-effective networks (i.e., general-purpose Ethernet networks), especially in those interfaces that are time-critical, is a challenge. In this article, we review the most relevant Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards that may bring compelling benefits to O-RAN (i.e., IEEE 802.1CM, IEEE 802.1Qbu and IEEE 802.1Qbv) for providing determinism over cost-efficient networks. We explore the design space for a TSN-enabled O-RAN architecture, reporting on the requirements and deployment options and finally, we discuss on the opportunities and challenges that O-RAN will face when adopting TSN technologies to fully open the vRAN ecosystem.
