OTIC O-RAN certification and badging program promotes deployment of Open RAN complaint equipment into Japanese and Global mobile markets.
TOKYO, February 1, 2024 – Rakuten Symphony today announced that it was awarded the world’s first O-RAN compliant certification badge for 4G/5G non-standalone architecture by Japan OTIC, an O-RAN ALLIANCE testing and certification partner providing conformance certification, interoperability testing based on O-RAN tests specifications*1. The certification badge, titled “O-RAN End-to-End Badge”, was awarded to Rakuten Symphony for its 4G/5G non-standalone architecture (NSA) in a multi-vendor environment*2*3
The O-RAN End-to-End Badge certification was issued to Rakuten Symphony after verification by Japan OTIC that it met end-to-end requirements for system and security functionality while demonstrating interoperability in a 4G/5G NSA multi-vendor environment.
With this certification, Rakuten Symphony will strengthen its O-RAN-compliant product offering and accelerate the deployment of Open RAN worldwide.
RAN consists of radio access equipment such as RUs (radio units), DUs (distributed units) and CUs (centralized units). Open RAN disaggregates these units via a multi-vendor structure where devices are not tied to a specific vendor, enabling cost reductions through more flexible equipment procurement and competition. The O-RAN ALLIANCE, a worldwide community of mobile network operators, vendors, and research institutions promoting the development of Open RAN, aims to define Open RAN architecture and the interfaces between devices in internationally recognized standards.
Rakuten Symphony will continue to promote Open RAN adoption and the creation of a global Open RAN ecosystem built with diverse vendors, using the world’s most advanced telecom solutions.
Notes:
*1 Japan OTIC opens in Yokosuka City as a testing and certification centerfor O-RAN solutions: https://b5g.jp/w/wp-content/uploads/pdf/japan_otic_en_01.pdf
*2 Non-standalone RAN that links a 4G network and 5G base stations to the 4G core network.
*3 Research by the YRP R&D Promotion Committee, as of January 12, 2024.https://b5g.jp/w/wp-content/uploads/pdf/japan_otic_en_01.pdf (*Japanese page)
*The names of O-RAN ALLIANCE, O-RAN and their logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of O-RAN ALLIANCE e.V.*Product names and service names included in this press release are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Trademarks such as “™” and “®” may be omitted when company trademarks are mentioned.
