# Open RAN meets Semantic Communications: A Synergistic Match for Open, Intelligent, and Knowledge-Driven 6G

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.09951 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.09951/

## Key facts

- Cited by 6 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 15 Oct 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [Semantic Revolution from Communications to Orchestration for 6G: Challenges, Enablers, and Research Directions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.00081/) (2024)
- [Adapting MLOps for Diverse In-Network Intelligence in 6G Era: Challenges and Solutions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.18793/) (2024)
- [Task-Oriented Connectivity for Networked Robotics with Generative AI and Semantic Communications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.06771/) (2025)
- [Past, Present, Future: A Comprehensive Exploration of AI Use Cases in the UMBRELLA IoT Testbed](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.13346/) (2024)
- [Building the Self-Improvement Loop: Error Detection and Correction in Goal-Oriented Semantic Communications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.01544/) (2024)
- [Latency-aware Human-in-the-Loop Reinforcement Learning for Semantic Communications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.15640/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Improving sustainability, enhancing spectral and energy efficiency, and bringing in-network intelligence and reasoning are the driving forces for 6G. In this context, semantic communications (SemCom) and open radio access networks (Open RAN) are emerging as focal points of research. SemCom is widely viewed as a disruptive paradigm that creates the possibility of knowledge-driven networks. On the other hand, Open RAN paves the way for open and programmable networks with native intelligence. This paper investigates the synergies between SemCom and Open RAN and introduces the concept of semantic-aware Open RAN. It presents the main architectural components and functionalities along with some of the key applications of semantic-aware Open RAN. It also conducts demonstration and evaluation of a remote WiFi localization built on semantic-aware Open RAN. Finally, it highlights some open challenges for semantic-aware Open RAN.