Testing Open RAN in the Cloud (TORC)

This paper proposes a novel cloud-based approach for automated testing of Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) systems, departing from traditional resource-intensive box-based testing methodologies to scalable pay-as-you-use remote testing. The proposed method encompasses hosting the O-RAN test system in the cloud, triggering an automation suite from an automation framework to execute a predefined set of test cases on the cloud-hosted system, and storing the test results along with key performance indicators (KPIs) in the cloud. A comprehensive automation framework has been developed, capable of executing thousands of test cases in the cloud environment. The framework comprises a front-end module hosted on a public cloud and a backend module hosted on either a private or public cloud, enabling seamless integration and efficient testing of O-RAN systems.