Digital twin for open RAN: toward intelligent and resilient 6G radio access networks

Antonino Masaracchia, Vishal Sharma, Muhammad Fahim, Octavia A. Dobre, Trung Q. Duong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The mission of the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Alliance is to evolve RAN for the next-generation network in a way that will embed principles of openness and intelligence. Currently, digital twin (DT) is emerging as a keystone technology for the development of sixth-generation (6G) networks oriented services. This article aims to provide a comprehensive vision of how DT and O-RAN represent two complementary concepts, which when merged will enable the deployment of an intelligent and resilient 6G RAN. In particular, DT will play a crucial role by enhancing the principles of intelligence, autonomy, and openness on which O-RAN is based. A brief overview of both O-RAN and DT concepts is discussed. Subsequently, potential use cases and services delivered through a DT-based O-RAN architecture are illustrated. Challenges and future research directions are also highlighted and discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)112 - 118
JournalIEEE Communications Magazine
Volume61
Issue number11
Early online date11 Jul 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023

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