Linux Foundation creates OCUDU Foundation for 6G Open Source RAN standardization
The Linux Foundation creates the OCUDU Foundation to establish 6G Open Source RAN standardization. The Linux Foundation introduced the Open Centralized Unit Distributed Unit (OCUDU) Ecosystem Foundation at the Mobile World Congress 2026 event in Barcelona. This project establishes a center where people work together to create and maintain open source software for Radio Access Network (RAN) networks. The project establishes a basic reference platform that supports both 5G networks and upcoming 6G networks by using AI native algorithms which enable different systems to work together.
The OCUDU Project received funding from National Spectrum Consortium (NSC) and FutureG Office to establish its operations. DeepSig and Software Radio Systems (SRS) performed the initial development of the software system. The project has received international technology and telecommunications support through its neutral governance structure which now operates at the Linux Foundation.
Founding members spearheading this partnership include
- Technology Providers NVIDIA, AMD, DeepSig, and SRS
- Infrastructure Vendors Ericsson and Nokia
- Operators AT&T, Verizon, and SoftBank Corp
OCUDU focuses its operations on two network components which include the Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU). The foundation uses open source distribution to let organizations use network intelligence functions without being tied to particular vendors. The organization identifies these technical areas as critical priorities for its operations
- AI Native Architecture The RAN stack incorporates AI and Machine Learning to achieve real time optimization
- Reference Implementation The project creates a carrier grade codebase which supports 3GPP and O RAN Alliance standards
Software defined RAN components must function properly with various hardware platforms to achieve interoperability.
The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation involves 17 research institutions and universities which include Georgia Tech, Northeastern, and the University of Texas at Austin. This inclusion establishes a direct connection between academic research and actual production work which will address energy efficiency and security and advanced PHY/MAC research.
The foundation uses open source components for RAN maintenance which enables companies to concentrate on developing their unique products and services that generate revenue. The partnership aims at building international relationships through shared work while establishing a secure supply chain for the coming 6G rollouts.
The OCUDU project provides a secure transparent testing environment for 6G development. The Linux Foundation now extends its open source initiatives into RAN intelligence and edge orchestration through this networking portfolio extension. T Mobile, Cisco, Marvell and Red Hat have confirmed their membership in the foundation which now accepts general membership applications.
