Unified Multi-RAT Control for Industrial NPNs: O-RAN-Based Management of openwifi APs

Abstract

While non-public cellular networks are being deployed for a wide range of industrial applications, IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi remains widely available and continues to serve as an important communication technology on factory floors. To fully leverage this heterogeneity, unified control and management across Radio Access Technologys (RATs) is essential. In this paper, we present an extended Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) framework that incorporates IEEE 802.11 access points, enabling Wi-Fi to be managed in a unified manner alongside cellular base stations. We valide the design by means of an initial implementation of the first monitoring service model, tailored to openwifi platform. This initial integration demonstrates how O-RAN principles can be applied to Wi-Fi infrastructures, laying the foundation for future multi-RAT control, coordination, and optimization in industrial non-public networks.