EcoRAN: A Novel Programmable Framework for Dynamic and Energy-Efficient Resource Optimization in Multi-Tenant, Neutral Host O-RAN Systems

The disaggregation enabled by Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) technology offers unprecedented flexibility for multi-tenant deployments on shared infrastructure, making it a promising solution for neutral hosts managing RAN resources across multiple operators. However, this flexibility introduces new challenges in resource allocation and cost optimization. This paper presents a programmable platform designed to help neutral hosts dynamically allocate resources to minimize energy and infrastructure costs while meeting tenant performance needs. We propose a lightweight heuristic to validate the platform’s ability to adapt CPU core allocation and DU-level power consumption in real time, using Intel SST-CP and CPU power limit adjustments. The architecture is implemented on a bare-metal OKD cluster, offering a cost-effective and reconfigurable foundation for practical O-RAN experimentation.