KT has verified that base station power consumption can be reduced by approximately 16% compared to existing systems in an open LAN environment.

KT announced on the 7th that it has successfully verified the performance of technology that saves power using a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) in an open LAN environment. The open LAN used in the test was composed of equipment from various manufacturers.

'Open RAN' is an open wireless access network, a technology in which base stations are made of hardware that transmits and receives radio waves, and the functions required for communication services are implemented by installing software instead of equipment.

The introduction of open LAN technology is expected to have the advantage of high-speed operation at low cost. It is explained that by converting communication equipment into software, base station connection is possible only with an update, so real estate and HW replacement costs can be reduced. In addition, price competitiveness can be secured by breaking away from HW dependency.

KT announced that it collaborated with Intel, Dell Technologies, CapGemini, and Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to verify the technology. KT configured virtual base stations from various manufacturers together at the Pangyo 5G Testbed Center operated by the National Intelligence Service (NIA) and linked them with a wireless network intelligent controller.

KT explained, “During the test process, the wireless network intelligent controller showed a base station power consumption reduction effect of about 16% compared to the existing one.” KT showcased this virtualized base station power reduction technology by participating in the global demonstration event ‘Plugfest Spring 2024’ of the ‘OpenRAN Alliance’, an international open RAN standardization organization, as the host company.

Meanwhile, KT has been working to expand the open LAN equipment ecosystem by participating as a joint operating organization in 'Korea OTIC (Open Testing and Integration Centers),' a domestic open LAN internationally accredited testing laboratory. KT said, “Based on this functional verification, we plan to expand the base station software manufacturer ecosystem and work with the Korea Information and Communications Technology Association to strengthen development capabilities and introduce a certified wireless network intelligent controller testing and certification procedure.”

Son Il-joo, director of the Information and Communications Technology Association’s Information and Communications Testing and Certification Research Institute, said, “As the main host of Korea OTIC, the Korea OTIC testing environment is being built and operated to test and certify domestic open LAN equipment,” and “We will contribute to the expansion of the domestic open LAN ecosystem through cooperation with KT in standardizing open LAN certification procedures.”

KT Network Research Center Director Jong-sik Lee said, “Open RAN technology will become the foundation for not only the 5G Advanced standard but also the evolution of 6G open architecture,” and added, “KT will continue to actively cooperate with Korea OTIC to lead global open RAN technology beyond Korea and work to expand the related ecosystem.”