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Open CU/DU for 5G/6G Innovation

What is OCUDU?

OCUDU (Open Centralized Unit/Distributed Unit) is a collaborative research initiative that transforms the development, deployment, and evolution of wireless networks. Created in partnership with the Future G Office, DeepSig, and Software Radio Systems (SRS), OCUDU addresses a critical gap in today’s open RAN ecosystem: the lack of a carrier-grade, open-source CU/DU software stack for real-world 5G and 6G deployments.

While Open RAN has improved interoperability through standardized interfaces and community-driven projects such as SMO, RIC, and O-Cloud, the CU and DU layers remain largely closed and proprietary. This limits innovation, slows adoption, and keeps critical capabilities locked behind vendor-controlled platforms. OCUDU changes that by delivering a fully open, production-ready CU/DU implementation that integrates seamlessly with O-RAN Alliance interfaces, thereby accelerating the development of NextG networks.

Built on the proven srsRAN platform and optimized for diverse compute environments, including x86, ARM, GPU, and more, OCUDU enables developers, researchers, and operators to prototype, test, and deploy advanced wireless capabilities with carrier-grade performance. The result is faster innovation, deeper customization, and a stronger foundation for AI-native and NextG communications. Read more in our blog.

Read the Announcement

OCUDU (Open Centralized Unit/Distributed Unit) is a collaborative R&D initiative between the DOD FutureG Office, DeepSig, and SRS, focusing on transforming the development and deployment of 5G/6G networks.

CU/DU Software Stack

A fully open-source, carrier-grade implementation of the 5G and 6G centralized and distributed unit layers, built for interoperability and high performance.

AI-RAN Extensions

Native support for AI-driven physical layer processing, uplink sensing, and intelligent control functions that enable advanced spectrum sharing, adaptive waveforms, and digital twins.

Open Interfaces

O-RAN compliant support for O-FH, F1, E1, O1, E2, and A1, ensuring seamless integration into existing and future RAN deployments.

Why it Matters: Software Speed Over Standards Speed

Telecom standards evolve over many years, but innovation now happens at the speed of software. OCUDU is designed to accelerate this pace. Instead of waiting for lengthy standards processes, it enables rapid implementation and testing of new 5G and 6G concepts in live environments.

By combining open governance under The Linux Foundation with carrier-grade software engineering, OCUDU provides a production-ready CU/DU platform that evolves continuously. Government agencies, researchers, and industry partners can deploy new AI algorithms in days, integrate mission-specific features quickly, and shape the standards of tomorrow through real-world deployments today.

Key Benefits

Faster Innovation

Prototype and deploy new algorithms and features in days rather than years.

AI-Native Integration

Native support for adaptive PHY, sensing, and digital twin applications.

Hardware Agnostic

Runs seamlessly across x86, GPU, and ARM platforms for flexible deployment.

Continuous Evolution

Upgrade and evolve capabilities without costly hardware refresh cycles.

Use Cases

Manufacturing & Industrial Automation

Provides ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity for robotics, sensors, and control systems. Real-time AI analytics and quality control can run directly at the edge, all on standard hardware platforms.

Smart Cities & Infrastructure

Powers adaptive, data-driven urban networks where traffic systems, emergency services, and environmental sensors operate as a coordinated whole. Cities can deploy multiple services on a shared, open software foundation.

Healthcare & Critical Sytems

Supports latency-sensitive applications such as robotic surgery, AI-assisted imaging, and secure edge processing. Hospitals and critical facilities can isolate traffic types and scale compute resources while maintaining resilience and security.

Private Networks & Enterprise Edge

Enables enterprises to deploy customizable 5G and NextG networks with built-in AI capabilities. Organizations can integrate mission-specific services, rapidly add new features, and prototype new air interfaces while maintaining interoperability.

Rural & Underserved Connectivity

Lowers deployment costs by decoupling software from specialized hardware, making it feasible to extend advanced wireless services to remote and low-density regions using the same open software stack.

Research, Prototyping & Standards Innovation

Accelerates prototyping of AI-native waveforms, spectrum sharing, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Research teams can iterate quickly, validate new capabilities in real-world conditions, and help shape future wireless standards.