Publications

5G-PICTURE: A Programmable Multi-Tenant 5G Compute-RAN-Transport Infrastructure

Authors: Daniel Camps-Mur, Kostas Katsalis, Igor Freire, Jesus Gutierrez, Nikos Makris, Salvatore Pontarelli, Robert Schmidt

Conference:  IEEE 2019 European Conference on Networks and Communications (EuCNC), Valencia, Spain, 18-21 June 2019

Abstract: Flexibility is a key capability to allow future 5G networks to support varying service offerings over a common infrastructure. 5G-PICTURE investigates the design of programmable compute and transport network infrastructures, able to instantiate third-party 5G connectivity services on demand. This paper introduces the 5G-PICTURE vision on an integrated compute, RAN and transport architecture, and describes a set of innovative functions in the RAN, Transport and Synchronization domains that 5G-PICTURE has developed to fulfill its vision. Initial evaluation results are presented for the aforementioned functions.

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Spectrum Coordination for Disaggregated Ultra Dense Heterogeneous 5G Networks

Authors: Nikos Makris, Panagiotis Karamichailidis, Christos Zarafetas, Thanasis Korakis

Conference:  IEEE 2019 European Conference on Networks and Communications (EuCNC), Valencia, Spain, 18-21 June 2019

Abstract: Cloud-RAN paves the way for flexible network management and control in the upcoming 5G and beyond networks. The base station disaggregation in different functional elements facilitates the incorporation of heterogeneous technologies in the user access network (e.g. 5G-NR, LTE, WiFi). Network densification and integration of heterogeneous technologies enables larger network capacity through the aggregation of multiple links, thus assisting the transition from the existing network infrastructure to innovative 5G networks. Nevertheless, as Ultra-Dense Heterogeneous Networks may operate in the same wireless spectrum, their performance potential may be hindered through the operation in overlapping frequencies. Thus, efficient coordination is required between the involved heterogeneous technologies. In this work, we consider a disaggregated base station setup, based on the current standards for 5G-NR, with capabilities to incorporate heterogeneous technologies for serving the UEs. We develop signalling between the heterogeneous Distributed Units and the Central Unit, and apply a spectrum coordination algorithm for optimal use of the wireless spectrum. We use OpenAirInterface as our development platform, and evaluate our results in a real testbed setup.

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Virtualized Heterogeneous 5G Cloud-RAN deployment over Redundant Wireless Links

Authors: Nikos Makris, Christos Zarafetas, Kostas Choumas, Paris Flegkas, Thanasis Korakis

Conference:  IEEE International Symposium on Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (LANMAN 2019), 1-3 July 2019, Paris, France

Abstract: 5G networks bring increased flexibility for the operator at different levels. On one side, RAN disaggregation based on the Cloud-RAN concept allows the instantiation of base stations in an area based on demand, whereas on the other side NFV-MANO orchestration brings effortless delivery of services deployed over distributed infrastructure.
In this paper, we demonstrate a disaggregated heterogeneous Cloud-RAN, consisting of cellular and WiFi infrastructure, deployed through the Open Source MANO orchestrator in the distributed infrastructure of a testbed. Through a pair of mmWave and WiFi redundant links, we backhaul the RAN and in case of a broken link, seamlessly switch technologies without affecting the traffic delivered to the end-user.

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MEC service placement over the Fronthaul of 5G Cloud-RANs

Authors: Virgilios Passas, Nikos Makris, Christos Nanis, Thanasis Korakis

Conference:  IEEE International Symposium on Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (LANMAN 2019), 1-3 July 2019, Paris, France

Abstract: Radio Access Network (RAN) disaggregation is transforming mobile networks, as it allows the single click instantiation of base stations in the Cloud, and can potentially ease the integration of heterogeneous technologies for wireless access. At the same time, Multi-access Edge Computing is proven to minimize the latency for accessing services located at the network edge. In this demo, we showcase a disaggregated heterogeneous Cloud-RAN, consisting of cellular and WiFi infrastructure, providing access to edge resources placed on the fronthaul of the network to multi-homed UEs. We experiment with different wireless technologies and placements for the MEC service, and illustrate our experimental results.

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More Articles ...

  1. On Minimizing Service Access Latency: Employing MEC on the Fronthaul of Heterogeneous 5G Architectures
  2. Enabling Multi-Domain Orchestration using Open Source MANO, OpenStack and OpenDaylight
  3. The SDN Control Plane Challenge for Minimum Control traffic: Distributed or Centralized?
  4. Demonstrating Multi-Domain Orchestration through Open Source MANO, OpenStack and OpenDaylight