The open radio access network (O-RAN) concept is changing the landscape of mobile networks (5G deployment and 6G research). O-RAN Alliance’s suggestions that O-RAN can offer openness and intelligence to the traditional RAN vendors will enable the capability for multi-vendors to re-shape the RAN structure and optimize the network. This paper positions the main research challenges of the O-RAN approach in regards= to the implementation of beamforming. We investigate the O-RAN architecture and the configurations of the interfaces between O-RAN units and present the split options between the radio and distributing units in terms of O-RAN specification and 3GPP standards. From this point, we discuss the beamforming methods in O-RAN, addressing challenges and potential solutions, and suggest the introduction of the zero-forcing equalizer as a precoding vector in the channel-information-based beamforming method. This may be one of the solutions for achieving flexibility in a high-traffic communication environment while reducing the radio unit interferences caused by implanting the precoding in the open radio unit.

The Internet of Energy is the deployment of IoT technology within energy systems (including distributed power monitoring and measuring points, energy plant sensors, points of distribution) to increase the efficiency of the whole infrastructure while decreasing energy waste. Due to criticality and the extension of the Internet of Energy, it needs an underlying network with vast coverage and high-efficiency parameters. In this paper, we argue that the 5G network is suitable for the Internet of Energy and present a concrete 5G implementation based on Open RAN that may gain in flexibility while reducing costs. In our simulations, we model and validate beamforming mechanism in Open RAN 5G and show that beamforming may achieve high-efficiency parameters that the Internet of Energy requires.