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7.2 split*

The 7.2x split is the most common RAN functional split configuration in use today for 4G and 5G networks due to its balance of fronthaul demands and centralization benefits. It is a functional split option defined by the O-RAN Alliance for disaggregating the 5G radio access network (RAN) \ between the distributed unit (O-DU) and the radio unit (O-RU).


DALL·E 2024-06-08 18.05.25 - An orthographic view of a city with a hand-drawn, chalk-style 3D representation of the radio unit (RU), distributed unit (DU), and central unit (CU) i.webp


The 7.2x split divides the physical layer (PHY) processing between the O-DU and O-RU to strike a balance between reducing fronthaul bandwidth needs, leveraging advanced 5G capabilities through centralization, and limiting the complexity of the O-RU. This split option has gained significant traction in the industry as a preferred functional split for multi-vendor Open RAN deployments.



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  1. Processing Location: In a 7.2x split, the RU handles the radio frequency (RF) functions and some lower physical layer functions, while the DU handles the higher physical layer functions and some lower MAC functions.
  2. Fronthaul Requirements: The 7.2x split typically requires less bandwidth and can tolerate slightly higher latency on the fronthaul network compared to lower-layer splits, which would demand more from the fronthaul in terms of bandwidth and latency.
  3. Use Cases: The 7.2x split is favored in dense urban areas where high throughput and low latency are critical.


See Also: 5G Functional Split



For More Information:


  1. https://www.5gtechnologyworld.com/functional-splits-the-foundation-of-an-open-5g-ran/
  2. https://www.5gtechnologyworld.com/open-ran-functional-splits-explained/
  3. https://www.ni.com/en/solutions/semiconductor/wireless-infrastructure-development/introduction-o-ran.html
  4. https://moniem-tech.com/2022/03/13/why-7–2x-split-is-the-best-split-option/
  5. https://www.sharetechnote.com/html/OpenRAN/OR_WhereToSplit.html
  6. https://www.telecomhall.net/t/why-most-telecoms-are-interested-in-7–2x-instead-of-other-options/20949
  7. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7–2x-split-o-ran-fronthaul-techlte-world-mxnpc
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10857264/
  9. https://docs.srsran.com/projects/project/en/latest/tutorials/source/oranRU/source/index.html


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