Overview

Implementing and Integrating 5G O-RAN Systems (Advanced) is an advanced, hands-on course designed for experienced network engineers and systems developers ready to master real-world 5G Open RAN deployment. In today’s fast-evolving telecom landscape, O-RAN skills are essential for building agile, multi-vendor networks that drive innovation and performance. This course dives deep into fronthaul protocols (eCPRI, RoE), xApp/rApp integration with the near-RT RIC, and the orchestration challenges of cloud-native, vendor-diverse 5G environments. You’ll analyze landmark case studies (Rakuten, DISH, Vodafone, NTT Docomo), practice integrating and benchmarking O-RAN systems in virtual labs, and develop troubleshooting habits for live deployments. Through immersive videos, scenario-based readings, and hands-on activities, you'll learn to validate performance, manage interoperability, and drive automation at scale. Whether advancing your current role or preparing for future 5G leadership, you’ll build confidence and capability to deliver high-performance O-RAN solutions in the real world.

Syllabus

Lesson 1: Deploying 5G O-RAN: Architecture, Virtualization, and Fronthaul Integration

In this introductory lesson, learners will explore the foundations of 5G O-RAN, including its cloud-native, disaggregated architecture and the deployment of open fronthaul protocols such as eCPRI and RoE. The lesson guides participants through the critical steps of deploying O-RAN components in a virtualized environment, setting up multi-vendor integration, and understanding the operational benefits and challenges of open interfaces. Learners will examine real-world deployments like Rakuten Mobile and DISH Wireless to contextualize technical principles, practice initial lab setup, and reflect on how virtualization and open standards drive innovation and flexibility in next-generation mobile networks.

Lesson 2: xApp/rApp Integration and Real-Time RIC

In this lesson, learners will dive into the integration, configuration, and troubleshooting of xApps and rApps within the near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) ecosystem—a critical layer in modern O-RAN deployments. The focus is on enabling real-time network optimization, policy control, and automation using modular, plug-in applications from multiple vendors. Learners will explore the architecture and interfaces of the near-RT RIC, examine practical integration patterns, and confront common challenges in achieving seamless interoperability. Real-world examples and case studies—including live RIC/xApp lab environments—highlight both the power and complexity of orchestrating advanced radio resource management. By the end of this lesson, learners will have hands-on experience deploying and validating xApps/rApps, analyzing performance, and establishing best practices for innovation in a multi-vendor O-RAN environment.

Lesson 3: Orchestration, Innovation, and Network Optimization with the RIC

In this capstone lesson, learners will put their advanced O-RAN skills to the test by exploring real-world orchestration and network optimization with the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) and custom xApps/rApps. Through hands-on activities and cutting-edge case studies—like Vodafone’s collaboration with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP)—learners will see how operators use near-real-time automation and third-party innovation to boost 5G capacity and future-proof their networks. The lesson focuses on designing, deploying, and validating new xApps for performance optimization, leveraging open RIC platforms, and driving meaningful improvements in capacity, latency, and automation. Learners will also confront the real challenges of interoperability, lifecycle management, and lab-to-field transfer—culminating in a capstone activity that synthesizes architecture, integration, and innovation. By the end of this lesson, learners will have the confidence and toolkit to lead RIC-enabled optimization projects, contribute to xApp/rApp development, and champion open, future-ready 5G deployments across multi-vendor environments.