October 2025 | Technical Memorandum NTIA TM 26-581
Open RAN System Integration: Lessons Learned
Cite This Publication
Silas T. Thompson et al., “Open RAN System Integration: Lessons Learned,” Technical Memorandum NTIA TM 26-581, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, October 2025.
Abstract:
Commercial Tier 1 radio access networks (RAN) deployed today generally, consist of closed, proprietary systems using products from a single manufacturer. Open RAN presents a different approach to this by disaggregating hardware and software enabling multi-vendor interoperability. One of the challenges in deploying Open RAN networks is the system integration process, which includes analyzing interface compatibility, strict timing requirements, and hardware dependencies. To better understand these issues, engineers at the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences have deployed multiple Open RAN systems in a laboratory environment. This memorandum documents lessons learned that are reported here as a resource for engineers, system integrators, and stakeholders aiming to deploy Open RAN systems. The authors offer practical insights and strategies to address the complexities of this new architecture by shedding light on the operational trade-offs, integration considerations, and system performance benchmarks.
Keywords: Open RAN; 3GPP
For technical information concerning this report, contact:
Silas T. Thompson
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
(720) 483-6127
sthompson@ntia.gov
For funding information concerning this report, click this link.
Funding Information
Performing Agency
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
325 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80305
https://ror.org/00mj5bc69
Funding Agency
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Herbert C. Hoover Building
14th and Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
https://ror.org/032241511
Disclaimer:
Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.
For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.