https://telecompedia.net/open-ran-with-bullets-part-2/
External application server which connects to Non-Real Time RIC. Either it can be V2X Server or UAV Server, it depends on the use case. Usually, enrichment information is obtained from the server to use in AI/ML model tuning.
Even though here it is shown as different cloud infrastructure for each element of RAN domain, it is also possible to be on the same physical resources. So, O-CU, O-DU can be hosted on the same cloud environment. Consequently, it depends on deployment strategy of the service providers.
We can see RAN protocol stack functional split between elements. Example SDAP is hosted by O-CU-UP and RLC, MAC are hosted by O-DU. General idea of the RAN functional split comes from the 3GPP and it has multiple suggestions (Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 etc.). But the O-RAN Alliance obtained Option 7 and Option 2 and specified it in Open RAN.
good understanding on cell-less and cellular:
Good survey (O-RAN):
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2202.01032.pdf
Best Understanding O-RAN:
https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/BSI/Publications/Studies/5G/5GRAN-Risk-Analysis.pdf;jsessionid=0DE61F5BDF4BF8DA8975D828D3546FD1.internet082?__blob=publicationFile&v=7
Thesis on CRAN : https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/123876544/ACheckoPhDThesisCRANFinalRC.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330924336_Multi-Channel_Access_Solutions_for_5G_New_Radio :Nurul Huda Mahmood
Very good ( CRAN/Protocol Stack)