LG Uplus Achieves Open RAN Standard Equipment Interoperability with Nokia and Samji Electronics... One Step Closer to '6G'

-Open RAN Global Standard Test Network Established at Magok Office
-Successful O-DU and O-RU Interworking

On the 3rd, Kwon Junhyuk, Head of LG Uplus Network Division (far left), is receiving an explanation about O-RAN equipment from representatives of Nokia and Samji Electronics.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] LG Uplus announced on the 3rd that it has succeeded in interworking O-DU (Distributed Unit) and O-RU (Antenna) equipment based on the Open RAN international standard specifications in collaboration with global telecommunications equipment manufacturer Nokia and domestic telecommunications equipment manufacturer Samji Electronics.

Open RAN is an open radio access network technology that implements radio access network technology through software to avoid dependence on specific equipment by introducing interface standards. It is regarded as a core technology for networks transitioning from 5G to 6G.

O-DU and O-RU are base station equipment based on the global Open RAN standards that constitute 5G Open RAN. With this successful equipment interworking, LG Uplus has secured a total Open RAN solution through collaboration between global manufacturers and domestic companies.

Earlier in July, LG Uplus and Nokia signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen research and development cooperation in the fields of 5G Advanced and 6G, and have been promoting cooperation related to Open RAN since then.

For this interworking demonstration, LG Uplus configured a test network at its Magok office in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, using Nokia's O-DU equipment and Samji Electronics' O-RU equipment. Nokia's global research center has been conducting development work to interwork the equipment of both companies, and representatives from the three companies have been communicating closely through weekly video conferences.

Through this demonstration, it was confirmed that Nokia's O-DU and Samji Electronics' O-RU equipment based on the standards set by the 'O-RAN Alliance' also interwork with commercial core equipment.

LG Uplus plans to strengthen cooperation with Nokia and Samji Electronics to additionally develop Open RAN equipment suitable for the domestic telecommunications environment and conduct field trials. In addition, Nokia and Samji Electronics will also cooperate in developing global Open RAN equipment and targeting the market for entry into the Open RAN market.

Kwon Junhyuk, Vice President and Head of Network Division at LG Uplus, said, “With this successful interworking, we have confirmed that Open RAN equipment can be used in commercial networks. We will continue to strengthen cooperation to improve the performance of Open RAN equipment and expand the Open RAN ecosystem through interoperability activities.”