This article proposes O-LoRaWAN, an adaptation of the LoRaWAN architecture into a modular network architecture based on the Open RAN (O-RAN) principles. In our vision, standardization of the network components and interfaces will enable the reuse of network functions, and thus, foster an accelerated tailoring of the network functions to the changing application demands. LoRaWAN shares similarities to cellular networks and becomes an interesting candidate for a transformation to the O-RAN standard. In the article we draw several transition strategies, these include the reorganization of the LoRa gateway functions into Radio and Distributed Units; enhancing network performance with RAN Intelligent Controllers exploiting the network data; and the standardization of the management and orchestration of network components. Key for that adaptation are the O-RAN interfaces. Along the article, we analyze them and suggest protocol extensions or adjustments for compatibility and interoperability between network components, advocating for the design of extensible protocols

翻译：本文提出O-LoRaWAN，一种将LoRaWAN架构适配为基于开放无线接入网（O-RAN）原则的模块化网络架构的方案。我们的愿景是，网络组件与接口的标准化将实现网络功能的重用，从而促进网络功能对不断变化的应用需求进行快速定制。LoRaWAN与蜂窝网络具有相似性，因此成为向O-RAN标准转型的可行候选对象。本文提出了多种过渡策略，包括：将LoRa网关功能重组为无线单元与分布式单元；利用网络数据的无线接入网智能控制器提升网络性能；以及实现网络组件的管理与编排标准化。这一适配的关键在于O-RAN接口。本文对这些接口进行分析，并提出协议扩展或调整建议以增强网络组件间的兼容性与互操作性，倡导设计可扩展的协议。