Milli-O-RAN: A Flexible, Reconfigurable O-RAN enabled mmWave Network Testbed

This paper introduces the Milli-O-RAN testbed, the first-of-its-kind flexible and adaptable Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) managing mmWave networks. The implementation of a representative (sub-second) dynamic beam switching feature is demonstrated through a proof-of-concept beam switching xApp, a software microservice hosted within the near real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (near-RT RIC) within O-RAN based mmWave networks. This highlights the potential of xApps to intelligently control and manage various RAN functionalities, including, physical and MAC layer, of O-RAN based mmWave networks. Our experiments over Milli-O-RAN testbed validate the effectiveness of beam switching xApp in steering the beams at desired angles within milliseconds, underscoring the transformative impact of O-RAN in enhancing mmWave network performance.