HiPer-RAN
The Highly Intelligent, Highly Performing RAN (HiPer-RAN) project is a next-generation research and innovation programme aimed at revolutionising the architecture and intelligence of future Open RAN systems. Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) under the Open Networks Ecosystem Competition, the project brings together leading academic and industry partners, including AWTG, to develop a holistic RAN platform that pushes the boundaries of scalability, automation, and performance. Unlike conventional efforts that treat individual RAN components in isolation, HiPer-RAN adopts a system-level approach, spanning everything from high-level architecture to physical layer integration.
The project’s core focus is on enhancing the Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC) and creating an interoperable, AI-powered framework that improves decision-making, supports conflict resolution among xApps/rApps, enables secure data exchange, and introduces cutting-edge (m)MIMO and energy-aware radio resource management (RRM). Leveraging the University of Surrey’s software-based physical layer testbed and AWTG’s telecom systems expertise, HiPer-RAN is laying the foundation for more secure, adaptable, and energy-efficient RAN deployments in the UK and beyond.
Project Partners
HiPer-RAN stands as a bold leap toward a fully open, intelligent, and energy-aware mobile infrastructure. By designing a high-capacity, secure, and vendor-agnostic RIC framework paired with novel (m)MIMO and AI conflict resolution technologies, the project delivers practical innovations with far-reaching impact. The results will strengthen the UK’s leadership in Open RAN research, enhance telecom supply chain diversity, and unlock new capabilities for high-performance, next-gen mobile networks.
Project Status
The HiPer-RAN project officially concluded on March 2025, marking the successful completion of a major DSIT-funded initiative. As Technical Work Packages Lead, AWTG played a pivotal role in shaping the architecture and automation capabilities of Open RAN networks. AWTG led the development of advanced xApps and rApps, contributing to more intelligent and secure network operations. Key achievements include enhancements to the RIC framework, innovations in radio resource management, and delivery of energy-efficient, low-latency solutions across the RAN stack.
Delivering Impact
The closing event celebrated not only the technical milestones but also the recognition of HiPer-RAN with the Incremental Innovation Award, underscoring the project’s impact on next-generation mobile infrastructure.
