Spectrum sharing with O-RAN architecture

In this paper, we describe a framework suitable for spectrum sharing among mobile network operators deploying current $5^{\text {th}}$ Generation (5G) or future $6^{\text {th}}$ Generation (6 G) network infrastructure. The framework leverages Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) alliance open fronthaul standardized interface between the Open Radio Unit (O-RU) and Open Distributed Unit (O-DU) to allow operators to share spectrum and part of the network infrastructure (shared RU), while preserving their ability to differentiate service, independently select infrastructure vendors, control network upgrade roadmap, and compete with other operators. We illustrate the benefits of spectrum sharing utilizing the proposed framework on a two-operator case study. We consider a high-power macro deployment scenario and compare the system performance of the exclusively licensed spectrum and an alternative topology where the two operators share aggregated spectrum with twice the bandwidth. Our results show that significant performance benefits can be achieved even during busy hours when mobile networks are heavily loaded.