The xApp Store: A Framework for xApp Onboarding and Deployment in O-RAN

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and development of an xApp store for 5G RANs, enabling third-party xApp deployment and fostering an ecosystem similar to mobile app stores, to support autonomous network operation.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for an xApp marketplace in O-RAN, facilitating third-party xApp onboarding and deployment in 5G networks.

Findings

Successfully developed an open-source xApp store prototype

Demonstrated streamlined onboarding process for third-party xApps

Enabled ecosystem growth for autonomous RAN management

Abstract

5G and beyond mobile telecommunication networks are increasingly embracing software technologies in their operation and control, similar to what has powered the growth of the cloud. This is most recently seen in the radio access network (RAN). In this new approach, the RAN is increasingly controlled by software applications known as xApps, and opens the door to third party development of xApps bringing diversity to the ecosystem, similar to mobile phone apps. This model aligns closely with the controllers in the ITU-T architecture for autonomous networks, and provides a pathway towards autonomous operation in the RAN. Unfortunately, no marketplace to host or supply xApps currently exists. This work describes our experiences in leveraging open-source O-RAN implementations to design and develop an xApp store.