The open source 5G and Open RAN ecosystem offers incredible potential, but integrating its diverse components into a cohesive, end-to-end system is no small task. To address this challenge, the Reference Open Source Testbed was created as part of LF Networking’s 5G Super Blueprints (5G SBP) initiative. Developed by the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), this testbed provides a ready-made framework for deploying and validating scalable 5G and Open RAN solutions.
The Challenge: Complexity in Open Source 5G Integration
Building a fully functional 5G and Open RAN system requires integrating multiple open source components, each offering unique strengths and requiring varying degrees of configuration. The absence of a unified, deployable project creates barriers for organizations looking to adopt open source 5G and Open RAN solutions.
The Solution: A Collaborative, Reference Testbed
The Reference Open Source Testbed simplifies the deployment of 5G and Open RAN systems by providing:
- Pre-Tested Deployments: A set of working configurations for critical components like the RAN, 5G core, and RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC).
- Streamlined Tools: A repository of Ansible playbooks and roles, organized for ease of use and reusability.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Clear and detailed guides to support seamless deployment and testing.
By consolidating these resources, the testbed enables organizations to deploy and validate 5G solutions faster and more reliably.
Key Features and Capabilities
- Blueprint-Based Deployment
- Utilizes Ansible playbooks and roles to provide modular, reusable setups.
- Logical organization of variables ensures flexibility and customization.
- Integrated Testing and Results Dashboard
- Publishes consolidated test results from multiple labs and testbeds.
- Supports tagging, filtering, and result correlation across time and components.
- Adheres to machine-readable formats (JSON/YAML), contributing to industry standards discussions.
- Future Enhancements
- Automated testing for all reference testbeds.
- Public dashboards to share test results and promote transparency.
Check out the O-RAN Ansible Testbed Guide & Demo for more information.
Realizing the Vision
The Reference Open Source Testbed is already making strides to enable seamless integration of 5G components while maintaining an open and collaborative framework. Ongoing efforts include:
- Publishing Deployment Blueprints: Ansible playbooks and roles are being standardized and shared with the community.
- Expanding Testing Coverage: Additional testing triggers and broader coverage are being implemented with support from industry participants.
- Enhancing Community Engagement: A shared results dashboard is under development to foster transparency and collaboration.
These steps ensure that the testbed continues to evolve as a robust resource for the open source 5G community.
How You Can Get Involved
The success of the Reference Open Source Testbed depends on the contributions and collaboration of the broader community. Here’s how you can participate:
- Explore the Repository: Access the Ansible playbooks and roles to start building your own testbed.
- Join the Conversation: Collaborate with peers, share feedback, and contribute to ongoing developments.
- Stay Updated: Follow project updates and participate in community discussions.
Access the project’s resources and detailed documentation here.
The Reference Open Source Testbed is one of many collaborative efforts captured in the 5G Super Blueprint Library. The Library features a wide range of completed integration projects—each offering insights, technical resources, and points of contact for further exploration.
Browse the full Library Index here to discover more innovative work happening across the 5G and Open RAN ecosystem.
