1. Background
The O-RAN architecture includes a Real-Time (RT) Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC) that is connected via A1 interface to Non-Real Time RIC function that resides in the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) layer. The purpose of A1 interface is to enable Non-RT RIC function to provide policy-based guidance, AI/ML model management, and enrichment information to the near-RT RIC for RAN optimization.