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Central Unit

The Central Unit (O-CU) is responsible for handling the higher layers of the RAN protocol stack, focusing on both control and user plane functions. It sits above the Distributed Unit (O-DU) and provides a centralized point for managing signaling, mobility, and user data.

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  • Control Plane (O-CU-CP): Manages non-real-time control functions such as session setup, handovers, and signaling.
  • User Plane (O-CU-UP): Handles user data forwarding with low latency and high efficiency.
  • Centralized Management: Facilitates network flexibility, easier orchestration, and interoperability between vendors.

O-CU-CP: Manages control signaling between the network and user equipment, handling tasks such as connection setup, mobility management, and security.

O-CU-UP: Handles packet forwarding, QoS enforcement, and traffic routing, ensuring efficient data transmission to and from the core network.

Key Responsibilities​

Connectivity​

  • Connects downward to the O-DU via the midhaul interface (F1 interface).
  • Supports integration with Near-RT RIC and higher-layer orchestration for advanced network control.

Deployment Context​

  • Typically deployed in regional or central data centers, enabling centralized control over multiple DUs.
  • Supports virtualized or cloud-native implementations, improving scalability and automation.