Optimizing antenna array model selection in a telecommunications network

An apparatus comprising:

• a distribution unit (O-DU) configured to:
• receive, from a radio unit (O-RU), antenna configuration capability information comprising at least one antenna array model parameter via management plane (M-Plane) messaging;
• receive, from a higher-layer network function, a request to reconfigure an antenna array;
• based on the antenna configuration capability information comprising at least one antenna array model parameter from the O-RU and based on the request to reconfigure the antenna array from the higher-layer network function, determine an antenna array configuration comprising at least one antenna array model parameter supported by the O-RU;
• and
• apply the supported antenna array configuration comprising at least one antenna array model parameter via C-Plane messaging or M-Plane messaging.

A method comprising:

• sending, by a radio unit (O-RU) to a distribution unit (O-DU), antenna configuration capability information comprising at least one antenna array model parameter via management plane (M-Plane) messaging;
• receiving, from the O-DU, an antenna array configuration comprising at least one antenna array model parameter supported by the O-RU via control plane (C-Plane) messaging or M-Plane messaging, wherein the supported antenna array configuration is based on the antenna configuration capability information comprising at least one antenna array model parameter of the O-RU and a request to reconfigure the antenna array from a higher-layer network function;
• and
• based on the antenna array configuration comprising at least one antenna array model parameter supported by the O-RU, changing, by the O-RU, an antenna array model on top of a baseline antenna array configuration of the O-RU.