OpenOP: ETSI’s open-source platform for 6G
The group should address critical challenges in next-generation network development by fostering collaboration across telecom operators, cloud providers, and AI developers through a neutral, vendor-agnostic environment.
ETSI has launched a new Software Development Group (SDG OpenOP) to create an open-source Operator Platform for federating 6G testbeds and standardising network capability APIs. This group should address critical challenges in next-generation network development by fostering collaboration across telecom operators, cloud providers, and AI developers through a neutral, vendor-agnostic environment.
Why SDG OpenOP matters for 6G onnovation
The telecom industry faces fragmentation as 6G research accelerates, with proprietary platforms risking siloed development. SDG OpenOP tackles this by:
- Enabling cross-operator federation: Researchers can seamlessly access distributed testbeds (e.g. combining Orange’s network in France with Motorola’s experimental 6G nodes in Germany), reducing duplication and accelerating global R&D.
- Simplifying API standardisation: By adopting GSMA federation requirements and Linux Foundation CAMARA APIs, the platform ensures developers write code once and deploy across multiple operator environments.
- Bridging research and commercialisation: The neutral environment allows academia (e.g. Fraunhofer FOKUS) and SMEs to co-develop solutions with telecom giants like OTE, de-risking early-stage innovations.
Technical capabilities and use cases
SDG OpenOP’s architecture integrates key technologies to support diverse verticals:
| Component | Role | Example Application |
|---|---|---|
| Kubernetes | Orchestrates cloud-native network functions | Auto-scaling Industrial IoT edge compute nodes during factory peak loads |
| 3GPP NEF | Standardizes network exposure | Letting eHealth apps securely request low-latency slices for remote surgery |
| ETSI MEC | Manages distributed compute resources | Enabling real-time AI analytics for autonomous vehicle platooning |
For smart agriculture, farmers could combine satellite data (via federated testbeds) with localised sensor networks exposed through CAMARA APIs to optimise irrigation. Telecom operators might use the platform to trial novel network slicing models before commercial deployment.
The group unites 8 founding members, including Intracom Telecom and Orange Romania, with plans to expand. Its work complements existing ETSI projects like TeraFlowSDN (cloud-native SDN controllers) and OpenCAPIF (API security), creating a cohesive toolkit for 6G developers. By aligning with 3GPP and GSMA standards, SDG OpenOP ensures interoperability with future commercial networks.
Next steps
The inaugural meeting in Torino (July 1–2, 2025) will prioritise defining API specifications for testbed resource sharing and refining integration with Kubernetes-based orchestration. Participation remains open to all organisations.
