Improving sustainability, enhancing spectral and energy efficiency, and bringing in-network intelligence and reasoning are the driving forces for 6G. In this context, semantic communications (SemCom) and open radio access networks (Open RAN) are emerging as focal points of research. SemCom is widely viewed as a disruptive paradigm that creates the possibility of knowledge-driven networks. On the other hand, Open RAN paves the way for open and programmable networks with native intelligence. This paper investigates the synergies between SemCom and Open RAN and introduces the concept of semantic-aware Open RAN. It presents the main architectural components and functionalities along with some of the key applications of semantic-aware Open RAN. It also conducts demonstration and evaluation of a remote WiFi localization built on semantic-aware Open RAN. Finally, it highlights some open challenges for semantic-aware Open RAN.

翻译：提升可持续性、增强频谱与能量效率、引入网络内智能与推理能力是6G的驱动力。在此背景下，语义通信（SemCom）与开放无线接入网（Open RAN）正成为研究焦点。SemCom被广泛视为一种颠覆性范式，开创了知识驱动网络的可能性。另一方面，Open RAN为开放可编程、具备原生智能的网络铺平了道路。本文探讨SemCom与Open RAN之间的协同效应，并引入语义感知开放RAN的概念。它阐述了主要架构组件与功能，以及语义感知开放RAN的一些关键应用。文中还基于语义感知开放RAN开展了一项远程WiFi定位的演示与评估。最后，本文指出了语义感知开放RAN面临的一些开放性挑战。