CNTC: Reproducible nFAPI/FAPI Certification for L1/L2 5G RAN Interoperability
CNTC RAN certification now includes the L1/L2 boundary over nFAPI, specifically the MAC-to-PHY interface with Functional Split Option 6. This release certifies both the Physical Layer (PNF, 26 requirements, 14 essential) and Layer 2 driver (VNF, 15 requirements, 9 essential) independently. A total of 41 automated requirements are evaluated, with verdicts of PASS, FAIL, or INCOMPLETE, and the certification model is based on Small Cell Forum SCF 222 and SCF 225 standards. Testing across OAI and cross-vendor deployments revealed a consistent state-machine violation related to premature transmission initiation, highlighting the need for comprehensive protocol behavior evaluation beyond basic attach functionality. Existing CU/DU certification has been expanded to include OpenAirInterface implementations alongside OCUDU, maintaining a reproducible and transparent process with publicly available scorecards and evidence.