b<>com offers free Open XG Hub for 5G & 6G testing

b<>com has launched Open XG Hub, a software platform that provides an end-to-end test environment for 5G and 6G experimentation.

The Rennes-based research institute is making the platform available free of charge on request. Access is provided under an R&D evaluation licence.

Open XG Hub is positioned as a test hub that brings mobile network elements together in a single environment. It includes a modular distributed unit, described as compliant with O-RAN and 3GPP specifications, and designed to work across different hardware platforms.

Test environment

The platform targets researchers, developers and organisations working on open and private mobile networks. It is designed for experimentation across architectures and software options, with a focus on rapid testing and comparison.

Open XG Hub supports the integration and testing of third-party components, reflecting growing industry interest in disaggregated radio access network models where operators and private network builders combine components from multiple suppliers.

Users can swap, upgrade and reconfigure network components within the environment, enabling teams to trial different combinations of features and software versions.

Private network focus

The hub includes tools aimed at private 5G and private 6G network deployment and testing. Private cellular has become an active area of investment in sectors such as manufacturing, ports, energy, defence and healthcare, where organisations seek dedicated coverage and greater control over network behaviour.

Other uses include R&D on 5G, 6G and O-RAN, as well as network optimisation experiments.

The hub supports multiple frequency bands and bandwidths and is compatible with leading open-source projects.

Operational tooling

Open XG Hub includes monitoring, troubleshooting, tracing and debugging tools intended for experimentation and analysis.

Such tooling has become more important as mobile networks adopt software-driven architectures and introduce interfaces between components from different sources. Test environments that combine network functions with observation tools can shorten the time needed to identify issues during trials, particularly when configurations change frequently.

Open XG Hub is intended for R&D and field validation of private 5G and 6G networks. It can be used to test and validate new services, including those requiring high data rates, ultra-low latency, and secure, reliable connectivity.

Open RAN context

Open RAN has attracted attention from operators and policymakers because it reduces reliance on closed, single-vendor systems. It also increases integration and testing demands, as interoperability must be validated across more combinations of hardware and software.

With its packaged environment and modular distributed unit, Open XG Hub is positioned among initiatives aimed at making it easier for labs and engineering teams to trial open interfaces and alternative implementations. It is also intended to help compare software implementations and assess different architectures.

Patrick Savelli, Head of Advanced Connectivity at b<>com, said the licence model is intended to widen participation across research and open-source communities.

"b<>com's new 5G/6G technology gives innovators a practical and flexible way to experiment, de-risk, and accelerate new connectivity solutions. It is made available under an R&D evaluation licence to encourage wider contributions from the open source and research communities," said Patrick Savelli, Head of Advanced Connectivity at b<>com.

Research institute

b<>com describes itself as a European technology research institute. It operates a collaborative model with industrial and academic partners and works across digital technology themes including connectivity, AI, imaging, human factors, cloud computing, and digital technology and society. It also positions its work within decarbonisation efforts.

The institute develops technologies for small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporate groups across sectors including Industry 5.0, defence, healthcare, cultural and creative industries, security and agriculture.

Access to Open XG Hub is available on request, and b<>com said it will continue to engage with researchers and developers working on 5G and 6G experimentation.