About

The Laboratory

The laboratory provides an end-to-end implementation from User Equipment (UEs) to Core with Open RAN in between – UEs connecting to Radio Units (O-RUs) that supports open fronthaul interfacing (eCPRI) to Distributed Units (O-DUs); and DUs connecting to open Centralized Units (O-CUs); all from different vendors to demonstrate interoperability.

It is a fully-automated, cooperative, open, and impartial laboratory and testing setup to demonstrate Open RAN interoperability, performance, and security on a 5G stack.

The Partnership

The United States Government and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) have collaborated to establish the Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Laboratory (Open RAN Lab) at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) in UP Diliman equipped with RAN equipment from different vendors based on the agreed design with key stakeholders. The Open RAN Lab is envisioned to be a center for collaboration among mobile network operators (MNOs), ICT vendors, industry organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and other development partners; and aims to promote open and disaggregated network technologies, particularly open radio access networks, to foster a robust telecommunications environment.

The Open RAN Laboratory is established through a phased approach. Phase 1 will focus on the foundational equipment and essential functionalities of the laboratory that will support the workforce development initiatives of the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA). This phase will lay the groundwork for subsequent phases, ensuring a robust foundation for further development. Phase 2 will build upon the foundations in Phase 1 by implementing advanced technologies and functionalities. Both Phases 1 and 2 will focus on workforce development, ensuring that engineers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of Open RAN technologies. Lastly, Phase 3 focuses on real-world applications through field trials and the exploration of various use cases.

Ribbon Cutting of the RAN Laboratory: Launching and Turn over Ceremony of the Radio Access Network (RAN) Laboratory at the EEEI Auditorium, UP Diliman, on August 1, 2025. Present during the event were UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo Vista II, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mary Kay Loss Carlson, NTC Commissioner Ella Lopez, BEACON Chief of Party Mr. John Garrity, and DICT Assistant Secretary Mr. Philip Varilla. The ceremony highlighted the official launch of the RAN Lab and the signing of the Deed of Donation and Acceptance. Photo by UP MPRO

The Launch

Last August 1, 2025, the Open RAN Laboratory was launched and turned over to the University of Philippines Diliman with the ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation and Acceptance. The launch event was heralded by US Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson, UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo Vistan, NTC Commissioner Atty. Ella Blanca Lopez, DICT ASec. Philip Varilla, and other guests from the US Embassy, Philippines government, and industry representatives.

Contact Us

Open RAN Laboratory, Rm 227
EEE Building, Velasquez St., UP Campus
Diliman, Quezon City 1101
Tel: +63 2 8981 8500 loc 3301
Email: open.ran@eee.upd.edu.ph