Architecture principles for a cloud-friendly future 6G RAN architecture

The objective of this research report is to identify and analyze key architecture principles relevant to the standardization of a future cloud-friendly 6G RAN functional architecture. The report describes the design aspects for a cloudified Radio Access Network (RAN), such as automation, observability, root cause analysis, and zero trust architecture. These aspects aim to improve network performance, service assurance, configuration, deployment, security, and fault detection in a heterogeneous and multi-stakeholder environment. The reports also suggests enablers for these aspects, such as intent based APIs, life cycle management, trusted execution environments, and remote attestation. The principles and design aspects proposed in the report aim to be useful input to later 6G standardization activities in 3GPP and O-RAN.