Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced that the University of Malaga, specifically the MobileNet: Mobile & Aerospace Networks Lab within the Telecommunications Institute (TELMA), has chosen its RAN Intelligent Controller Test Solutions (RICtest). This solution will be utilized to develop testing models for RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC), covering both near-real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC for advanced network intelligence management functions.
As more operators transition to Open RAN architecture, new testing requirements are emerging. RICs, which are crucial for controlling Open RANs, consist of two components: the near-real-time RIC for low-latency functionalities and the xApps it hosts, and the non-real-time RIC for less time-sensitive operations and rApps. To drive network innovation and ensure interoperability, performance, and validation, testing RICs and their apps is essential.
By leveraging Keysight’s RICtest solution, MobileNet has successfully established a critical foundation for rigorous testing and training of RIC xApps/rApps that implement advanced AI/ML algorithms. The flexibility of the RICtest solution allows for experimentation in both open-loop and closed-loop scenarios, enabling precise evaluation and optimization of these algorithms.
Keysight’s RICtest solution emulates all E2 node types standardized by the O-RAN Alliance, facilitating comprehensive testing of RIC functionalities at any scale. Additionally, it supports modeled measurements to test the AI and ML processing of xApps and rApps.
Sergio Fortes, Associate Professor and Telecoms + AI/ML Researcher for MobileNet at the University of Malaga, stated: “MobileNet continues to demonstrate its key position in 5G/6G and Open RAN R&D. The RICtest solution complements the extensive set of testbeds and network infrastructure of the MobileNet team (including complete end-to-end 5G, vRAN, and Open RAN networks), which are crucial for supporting cutting-edge R&D activities, always in close collaboration with the private sector.”
Cao Peng, Vice President and General Manager for Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, added: “Keysight remains at the forefront of accelerating Open RAN deployments through cutting-edge test solutions. We are delighted to collaborate with the MobileNet team at the University of Malaga, assisting in the training of the xApps/rApps AI/ML algorithms and shaping its advanced management approaches using our virtualized RICtest solution.”
Resources:
- Demo Video: Unlocking RAN Potential: Keysight RICTest for Comprehensive Testing
- Article: Getting Open RAN Up and Running
- Keysight’s RICtest solution
- How to Validate Open RAN RIC Functionality
About Keysight Technologies:
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we deliver market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We are a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world.
