Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) are expected to revolutionize the telecommunications industry with benefits like cost reduction, vendor diversity, and improved network performance through AI optimization. Supporting the O-RAN ALLIANCE's mission to achieve more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks, O-RAN Open Testing and Integration Centers (OTICs) play a key role in accelerating the adoption of O-RAN specifications based on rigorous testing and validation. One theme in the recent O-RAN Global PlugFest Spring 2024 focused on demonstrating consistent and repeatable Open Fronthaul testing in multiple labs. To respond to this topic, in this paper, we present a detailed analysis of the testing methodologies and results for O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) in O-RAN across two OTICs. We identify key differences in testing setups, share challenges encountered, and propose best practices for achieving repeatable and consistent testing results. Our findings highlight the impact of different deployment technologies and testing environments on performance and conformance testing outcomes, providing valuable insights for future O-RAN implementations.

翻译：开放无线接入网（O-RAN）有望通过降低成本、增加供应商多样性以及借助AI优化提升网络性能等方式，彻底改变电信行业。为支持O-RAN联盟实现更智能、开放、虚拟化且完全互操作的移动网络目标，O-RAN开放测试与集成中心（OTIC）基于严格的测试验证，在加速O-RAN标准落地过程中发挥着关键作用。近期"2024年春季O-RAN全球PlugFest"的一个核心议题，聚焦于在多个实验室中展示开放前传测试的一致性与可重复性。为此，本文针对两个OTIC中心的O-RAN分布式单元（O-DU）测试方法及结果展开详细分析。我们识别了测试配置的关键差异，分享了实际遇到的挑战，并提出了实现可重复且一致测试结果的最佳实践。研究结果揭示了不同部署技术与测试环境对性能和一致性测试结果的影响，为未来O-RAN部署提供了重要参考。