ECE 693E

Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN): Architecture, Security, and Future Networks

Semester: Fall 2025
Institution: University of Hawaii at Mānoa

Instructor: Dr. Xiaochan Xue
Lecture Time: Monday & Wednesday, 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Location: KUY 407

Class Schedule

Week Date Topic Milestones / Notes
1 Aug 25 & 27 Course Introduction & Communication Basics Overview & Tools
2 Sep 3 Wireless Channel Characteristics, OFDM/MIMO (Sep 1 no class)
3 Sep 8 & 10 Cellular Evolution (2G → 5G → NextG) HW1 Assigned
4 Sep 15 & 17 O-RAN Fundamentals: RU, DU, CU  
5 Sep 22 & 24 O-RAN Interfaces (A1, E2, F1, Fronthaul) HW1 Due, Lab 1
6 Sep 29 & Oct 1 O-RAN Security & Trust Challenges HW2 Assigned
7 Oct 6 & 8 Physical-Layer Security  
8 Oct 13 & 15 Physical-Layer Security + Midterm Review HW2 Due
9 Oct 20 & 22 Midterm Exam HW3 Assigned
10 Oct 27 & 29 AI/ML in O-RAN (xApp, rApp, RIC Workflow)  
11 Nov 3 & 5 Federated Learning & Privacy in Networks HW3 Due
12 Nov 10 & 12 Emerging Trends I: ISAC & RIS in O-RAN Proposal Due
13 Nov 17 & 19 Emerging Trends II: AI for PHY & NextG RAN Midstage Report Due
14 Nov 24 & 26 Attacks & Defenses in Open Networks  
15 Dec 1 & 3 Advanced Topics: LLM for Security & RAN  
16 Dec 8 & 10 Final Project Presentations Presentation Due

Assignments & Projects

Homework:

  • HW1: Wireless Fundamentals (Due Week 5)
  • HW2: O-RAN Fundamentals (Due Week 8)
  • HW3: Physical-Layer Security (Due Week 11)

Lab:

  • Lab 1: O-RAN Platform Testing

Exams:

  • Midterm Exam: In-class, open notes (Week 9)

Final Project:

  • Topic Proposal Due: Week 12
  • Presentation: Week 16 (Slides due Dec 8)
  • Final Report Due: Week 17

Additional Materials

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