Open Radio Access Network and Learning Algorithms for Next-Generation Massive MIMO Applications

The radio access network (RAN) is moving towards open interfaces that offer wireless applications rich opportunities for customization and optimization. In 5G and beyond, the use of a large number of antenna elements, referred to as Massive MIMO, is envisioned to be the key physical layer enabling technology to transform wireless access into a high-throughput, low-latency multi-user medium where interference can be mitigated based on beamforming techniques. When the control of these large number of antenna elements are exposed via open interfaces, the RAN becomes a platform for the next-generation learning-based intelligent algorithms to deliver self-optimizing network access and connectivity.