Open-source RANs in Practice: an Over-The-Air Deployment for 5G MEC

Abstract

Edge computing that leverages cloud resources to the proximity of user devices is seen as the future infrastructure for distributed applications. However, developing and deploying edge applications, that rely on cellular networks, is burdensome. Such network infrastructures are often based on proprietary components, each with unique programming abstractions and interfaces. To facilitate straightforward deployment of edge applications, we introduce open-source software (OSS) based radio access network (RAN) on over-the-air (OTA) commercial spectrum with Development Operations (DevOps) capabilities. OSS allows software modifications and integrations of the system components, e.g., Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and edge hosts running applications, required for new data pipelines and optimizations not addressed in standardization. Such an OSS infrastructure enables further research and prototyping of novel end-user applications in an environment familiar to software engineers without telecommunications background. We evaluated the presented infrastructure with end-to-end (E2E) OTA testing, resulting in 7.5MB/s throughput and latency of 21ms, which shows that the presented infrastructure provides low latency for edge applications.

Edge-Based Microservices Architecture for Internet of Things: Mobility Analysis Case Study

“…The presented user mobility analysis service is being developed with an open source-based 5G edge testbed [20] at the premises of the University of Oulu, Finland. Moreover, the development framework provided by opportunistic edge service modelling [11], large-scale edge simulation platform [12] and the real-world 5G testbed facilitates future developments of distributed microservice prototypes and their detailed evaluation.…”

Distributed Artificial Intelligence with Multi-Agent Systems for MEC

“…Software agent capabilities contribute towards future AIenhanced edge computing, where ETSI MEC is now considered as a part of 5G standardization. Our future work aims at real-world prototypes, atop our real-world 5G edge computing testbed in the premises of the University of Oulu [32], for studying the different agent and MAS capabilities in distributed MEC systems.…”

Privacy-Aware Blockchain Innovation for 6G: Challenges and Opportunities

“…Network architecture: An intelligent, distributed mobile network infrastructure, such as one based on open-source wireless networks [20], requires an open market where users, spectrum owners, infrastructure owners, and Internet Service Provider owners can freely participate to exchange their resources [21]. Blockchain can provide such a marketplace, at the can cost of some privacy of the participants.…”