As part of the ENSURE-6G MSCA Staff Exchange Programme, I recently had the opportunity to spend two months at the Network Softwarization and Security Labs (NetsLab) at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. My secondment focused on supporting the establishment of UCD’s new Open RAN-based private 5G research network while strengthening collaboration between UCD and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
While deploying a 5G research network often seems like just connecting radios and servers, a significant amount of work happens long before any hardware is installed. One of my main contributions during the secondment was assisting with the planning and procurement process for the new Open RAN testbed.
This involved participating in technical discussions with vendors, evaluating Open RAN solutions, identifying system requirements, requesting quotations, and helping compare different deployment options. I also contributed to preparing network architecture diagrams and supported the process of obtaining the required radio spectrum licenses for operating the experimental network.
Following the vendor evaluation process, we selected an Open RAN solution that best aligned with the NetsLab team’s research objectives. I also participated in the kick-off meeting with the selected vendor, where we discussed deployment timelines, installation procedures, and technical checklists required for the upcoming installation.
Although my secondment concluded before the physical deployment of the network, it was rewarding to contribute to the planning phase that will ultimately enable cutting-edge Open RAN and 6G research at UCD.
Beyond the technical work, the secondment highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. Building modern research infrastructure requires expertise that spans networking, procurement, regulation, software development, and systems integration, making international collaborations such as ENSURE-6G invaluable for accelerating innovation.
I look forward to seeing the new UCD Open RAN testbed become operational and support future research in secure, intelligent, and programmable mobile networks.
