LCN 2020 Demo: Integrating Cloud-RAN with Packet Core as VNF Using Open Source MANO and OpenAirInterface

A demonstration of our research on managing 4G/5G testbeds, part of the 4G/5G research at SimulaMet, is going to be presented in the Demonstrations session at the IEEE LCN 2020 on Wednesday, November 18:

Integrating Cloud-RAN with Packet Core as VNF Using Open Source MANO and OpenAirInterface
Authors: Andrés Ocampo (Simula Metropolitan Centre for Digital Engineering, Norway); Thomas Dreibholz (Simula Metropolitan Centre for Digital Engineering, Norway); Mah-Rukh Fida (Simula Metropolitan Centre for Digital Engineering, Norway); Ahmed Elmokashfi (SimulaMet, Norway); Haakon Bryhni (Simula Metropolitan CDE, Norway)

Abstract: The Cloud-based Radio Access Network (Cloud-RAN) architecture and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are key enablers to building future mobile networks in a flexible and cost-efficient way. With early deployments of the fifth generation of mobile technologies – 5G – around the world, setting up 4G/5G experimental infrastructures is necessary to optimally design 5G networks. In this demo, we present a custom small-scale 4G/5G testbed based on OpenAirInterface and Open Source MANO. The testbed integrates a Cloud-RAN based on switched Ethernet Xhaul and functional splitting, with an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) deployed as a Virtual Network Function (VNF) in a cloud infrastructure. Using Open Source MANO, this demo shows the administration and monitoring of the EPC VNF components. Moreover, as proof of concept, collection and visualization of telemetry will be shown for two smartphones connected to the network through the Cloud-RAN.

See the presentation video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfV4sz55y7I