VIAVI TeraVM O-CU Simulator O-RAN test software
VIAVI / O-RAN Test
TeraVM O-CU Simulator

VIAVI TeraVM O-CU Simulator Software-Based O-RAN F1 Test Tool

Software-based O-CU emulator for testing O-DUs over the 3GPP F1 interface, with up to 256 DUs per CU and up to 8 CUs per server.

DUs per emulated CU
up to 256 DUs
CUs per server
up to 8 CUs per server
5G scenarios
5G NSA Option 3a, option 3x; 5G SA
Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI TeraVM O-CU Simulator is part of an O-RAN test suite that lets vendors validate products against O-RAN standards and lets service providers verify the interoperability of O-RAN components before network launch. It is a companion test component to the TM500 O-DU test tool.

The O-RAN Alliance divides the gNB into three open, standardized elements: the O-RU (Open Radio Unit), which handles the digital front end and lower PHY layers; the O-DU (Open Distributed Unit), which handles RLC, MAC and upper PHY layers; and the O-CU (Open Central Unit), which handles the RRC and PDCP layers.

The TeraVM O-CU Simulator is a software-based test tool that runs on x86 hardware. It complies with the 3GPP F1 application protocol, supports up to 256 DUs per emulated CU and can emulate up to 8 CUs per server. It covers 5G NSA Option 3a and Option 3x as well as 5G SA scenarios.

O-DU testing

The simulator acts as a responder to the O-DU under test, answering and acknowledging messages sent across the F1 interface. Functional test types cover F1 interface management (setup and release procedures), RRC message transfer, UE context management, security key exchange and data path verification. A single API is used to define test cases, and the tool integrates with CI/CD automation, including open-source tools such as Jenkins.

Key Features

  • O-DU full wraparound test compliant with latest 3GPP and O-RAN standards
  • Runs in lightweight VM on standard x86 hardware
  • CI/CD automation integration
  • Functional testing
  • Performance and capacity testing
  • Supports open-source automation tools such as Jenkins
  • Supports up to 256 DUs per emulated CU
  • Simultaneously emulates up to 8 CUs per server
  • Tests both 5G SA and NSA scenarios
  • Single API for test case definition
  • Deploy and configure in real time
  • Deterministic, consistent test outcomes
  • Frequent updates to recent 3GPP specifications
  • Interface management test cases: F1 Setup Procedure, Release Procedure
  • RRC message transfer procedure testing
  • UE context management testing
  • Security key exchange testing
  • Data path verification

Specifications

Emulation Capacity
DUs per emulated CU up to 256 DUs
CUs per server up to 8 CUs per server
5G scenarios 5G NSA Option 3a, option 3x; 5G SA
Specification and Configuration
Network functions O-CU Emulator
Interfaces F1
Specification compliance 3GPP TS 38.473: NG-RAN F1 Application Protocol
Contact VIAVI for latest spec compliance
Hardware Specifications
Server platform POWEREDGE R740
Processor Two Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, 18 cores per processor
Memory 192 GB ECC DDR per server
Power supply Platinum; Hot plug power supplies with full redundancy
Form factor Rack (2U)
Datasheet page 3 describes the system as 1U server based; hardware specifications table states Rack (2U)
Max depth 752 mm
Power dissipation 550W/ 700W/ 850W maximum
For 0/ 1/ 2 Radio Cards

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

  • O-DU functional testing
  • O-DU performance and capacity testing
  • O-RAN interoperability verification
  • F1 interface protocol compliance testing
  • CI/CD test automation
  • Network equipment manufacturer lab testing
  • Service provider pre-launch validation

Documents & Resources

TeraVM O-CU Simulator
datasheet · PDF
TeraVM F1 Load Generator and O-DU Simulator
other
Advancing Open RAN Networks
other
Ensuring Optimum Performance and Interoperability of your O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU)
other