Research Facilities 6GEN-ORAN R&D on open access radio networks Learn more at UNICO I+D 6G Know more 6GEN-ORAN is a strategic initiative aimed at building experimental infrastructures for next-generation mobile networks. The project is committed to open architectures based on Intelligent Controllers (RIC), virtualization (vRAN), and AI-driven automation. The infrastructure allows for the validation of algorithms in realistic and reproducible conditions, facilitating technology transfer to operator environments and accelerating the transition to 6G. Featured Equipment RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). Commercial 5G Network (FR1 and FR2) with programmable 5G core. GPU-based AI-RAN infrastructure. Supercomputing Servers (vRAN). Advanced Radio Channel Emulator. Experimentation platform with drones and a quadruped robot. Software Defined Radio (SDR) transmission equipment. High-performance SDR devices (USRP). Frequency converters for operation in mmWave bands (FR2). Key Technologies Open RAN, vRAN, and AI-RAN for open and programmable networks. Cloud-native virtualization (Kubernetes) and GPU acceleration. MLOps methodologies for rApps and xApps development. Emerging technologies such as RIS, ISAC, and network function exposure. Use Cases Intelligent and automated networks (O-RAN + AI-RAN): The infrastructure allows for real-time network monitoring and the application of intelligent algorithms that automatically adjust its operation. This includes optimizing radio resource usage, dynamic traffic management, and adaptation to different services through network slicing. Additionally, new architectures such as AI-RAN are explored, where the network behaves as a programmable system integrating AI and GPUs to improve efficiency, performance, and energy consumption. Programmability, validation, and operation of advanced 5G/6G networks: The project facilitates experimentation with carrier-grade 5G networks, including advanced technologies like millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications. It investigates how to expose network interfaces and capabilities to make them programmable, allowing for the creation of applications that interact directly with the network. This contributes to validating new functionalities and accelerating the transition to more open and flexible 6G networks. Intelligence for network operation, diagnosis, and security: Advanced systems based on AI are developed to analyze large volumes of network data in real time. These systems allow for the detection of anomalies, identification of the root cause of complex problems, and anticipation of failures. Furthermore, virtualization techniques are applied to deploy distributed security mechanisms that monitor the network continuously, improving resilience without affecting service. New services enabled by advanced connectivity (ISAC, drones, and robotics): The infrastructure allows for the exploration of innovative applications where connectivity and environment perception converge. This includes the use of connected drones and robots for inspection or rescue missions, dynamic coverage extension via mobile nodes, and precise 3D localization. Likewise, technologies like ISAC are investigated, where the network acts simultaneously as a communication and sensing system, opening the door to new services in complex environments.
