April 2025 | Special Publication NTIA SP-25-578
Test Plans, Results, and Lessons Learned About Open RAN Integration During the NTIA 5G Challenges
Cite This Publication
Margaret H. Pinson et al., “Test Plans, Results, and Lessons Learned About Open RAN Integration During the NTIA 5G Challenges,” Special Publication NTIA SP-25-578, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, April 2025.
Margaret H. Pinson 
, Mark Poletti, Julie E. Kub, Jeremy Glenn, Silas T. Thompson, Angela McCrory , Ashok Misra, Robert Kupsh, Naser Areqat, Shariq Ashfaq, T. Lauriston Hardin, Keith Hartley, Dolores A. Shaffer, and T. K. Woodward
Abstract:
The vision of the 5G Challenge competitions was to accelerate adoption of 5G open interfaces, interoperable subsystems, and multi-vendor solutions by fostering a large, vibrant, and growing vendor community dedicated to advancing 5G interoperability towards true plug-and-play operation. This report provides test plans, results, and lessons learned about 5G Open RAN multi-vendor interoperability and compliance during the 2022 and 2023 5G Challenges. Multiple vendors demonstrated O-RAN ALLIANCE subsystem interoperability and performance on a limited timeline with no prior integration or planning. Contestants made significantly faster integration progress when they were open to sharing and working together. Significant integration time was devoted to resolving configuration parameters and compliance mismatches (e.g., which options were selected). Stringently following software development best practices improves the speed and success of multi-vendor interoperability.
For technical information concerning this report, contact:
Margaret H. Pinson
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
(303) 497-3579
mpinson@ntia.doc.gov
For funding information concerning this report, click this link.
Funding Information
Performing Agency
Funding Agency
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
3030 Defense, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301-3030
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.