5G Network Architecture

A Technical Seminar Report

Submitted in partial fulfilment of
The requirement for the B.Tech.
Under Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Rourkela.

Submitted by
Sasmita ku. panda Roll No. ECE 201611747

August - 2019

Under the guidance of

Dr. Asit kumar panda

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Palur Hills, Berhampur- 761008, Odisha, India
ABSTRACT

Due to ever increasing demand for mobile broadband communication, the existing 4G
broadband technologies like Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) and mobile
multihop relay WiMAX networks are facing a fundamental challenges in terms of
higher data rates efficient end to end performance, user coverage, low latency, energy
consumptions and cost per information transfer. Evolving 5th Generation (5G)
cellular networks are envisioned to overcome these challenges. However, 5G is still in
its infancy stages and a lot of investigations and debates are ongoing on 5G network
architecture that must be proficient enough to accommodate above mentioned
challenges. Thus, there is a great demand of in-depth reviews on 5G network
architecture for the researchers for their better analysis and designs. This review study
revealed about the 5G network architecture based on a few general architecture design
which are iNet, Wireless Backhaul WiBACK, MyNet and SONAC and cognitive and
Cloud Optimized Network Evolution (CONE) network architecture. In order to make
5G perform every function needed by users without any drop in speed or connection,
there are several emerging technologies which can improve the general architecture of
5G network and are comprises of massive MIMO, interference management,
spectrum sharing, D2D communication system, ultra dense networks, Multi-Radio
Access Technologies (Multi-RAT), Full Duplex radio, milimetre wave spectrum and
cloud technologies. Besides, this study also give an overlook on the 5G framework
discussing on nomadic node, Wireless/Mobile Broadband (WMB), Distributed
Mobility Management (DMM) which is further categories into 3 separated solutions
namely PMIPv6, SDN and routing-based DMM solution. To advance this high level
vision, green technology in 5G network is introduced which encompasses of edge
caching, cognitive radio technologies and energy and spectrum harvesting. Other
technologies involvement related to 5G network architecture such as Radio Access
Technology (RAT) is also discussed in this study.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I give my sincere thanks to Dr. Asit kumar panda, Seminar Advisor for giving me
the opportunity and motivating us to complete the seminar within stipulated period of
time and providing a helping environment.

I give my sincere thanks to Durga Prasad Dash, Seminar Coordinator, for helping
me throughout my seminar and encouraging me to complete this seminar.

I acknowledge with immense pleasure the sustained interest, encouraging attitude and
constant inspiration rendered by Prof. Sangram Mudali (Director) & Prof. Geetika
Mudali (Placement Director) N.I.S.T. Their continued drive for better quality in
everything that happens at N.I.S.T. and selfless inspiration has always helped us to
move ahead.

SASMITA KUMARI PANDA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................iii
LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................... iv
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
2. END TO END NETWORK SLICING ...................................................................... 3
3. RECONSTRUCTING RAN WITH CLOUD ............................................................ 5
3.1 Network Architecture - A High Level View 5G .................................................. 5
4. MCE ........................................................................................................................... 8
5. CLOUD NATIVE CORE ARCHITECTURE ........................................................... 9
5.1. Control and User Plane Separation Simplifies the Core Network ...................... 9
5.2. Flexible Network Components Satisfy Various Service Requirements.............. 9
5.3. Unified Database Management ......................................................................... 11
6. SELF SERVICE AGILE OPERATION .................................................................. 12
7. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 14
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 15

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 End-to-End Network Slicing ........................................................................ 4

Figure 3.1 Network Architecture - A High Level View 5G .......................................... 6
Figure 5.1 Control and User Plane Separation Simplifies the Core Network ............... 9
Figure 5.2 Flexible Network Components Satisfy Various Service Requirements ..... 10
Figure 5.3 Unified Database Management .................................................................. 11
Figure 6.1 Self Service Agile Operation ...................................................................... 13

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1. INTRODUCTION

Through persistent effort and determination Telecom operators are implementing a

digital transformation to create a better digital world. To provide enterprises and
individuals with a real time, on demand, all online, DIY, social (ROADS) experience
requires an end to-end (E2E) coordinated architecture featuring agile, automatic, and
intelligent operation during each phase. The comprehensive cloud adaptation of
networks, operation systems, and services is a prerequisite for this much anticipated
digital transformation. The "All Cloud" strategy is an illuminated exploration into
hardware resource pools provides logically independent network slicing on a single
network infrastructure to meet diversified service requirements and provides DC-
based cloud architecture to support various application scenarios. Uses Cloud RAN to
reconstruct radio access networks (RAN) to provide massive connections of multiple
standards and implement on-demand deployment of RAN functions required by 5G.
Simplifies core network architecture to implement on demand configuration of
network functions through control and user plane separation, component-based
functions, and unified database management. Implements automatic network slicing
service generation, maintenance, and termination for various services to reduce
operating expenses through agile network O&M.

In the new exciting era of 5G, new communication requirements pose challenges on
existing networks in terms of technologies and business models. The next-generation
mobile network must meet diversified demands. The International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) has classified 5G mobile network services into three
categories: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-reliable and Low-latency
Communications (uRLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).
eMBB aims to meet the people's demand for an increasingly digital lifestyle, and
focuses on services that have high requirements for bandwidth, such as high definition
(HD) videos, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). uRLLC aims to meet
expectations for the demanding digital industry and focuses on latency-sensitive
services, such as assisted and automated driving, and remote management. mMTC
aims to meet demands for a further developed digital society and focuses on services

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that include high requirements for connection density, such as smart city and smart
agriculture.

The existing mobile network architecture was designed to meet requirements for
voice and conventional MBB services. However, this previous organization has
proven to be insufficiently flexible to support diversified 5G services due to multiple
3GPP version upgrades, a large number of NEs, complex interfaces. The driving force
behind the network architecture transformation includes the following aspects:
 Complex networks incorporating multiple services, standards, and site types
 Coordination of multi-connectivity technologies
 On-demand deployment of service anchors
 Flexible orchestration of network functions
 Shorter period of service deployment

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2. END TO END NETWORK SLICING

E2E network slicing is a foundation to support diversified 5G services and is key to

5G network architecture evolution. Based on NFV and SDN, physical infrastructure
of the future network architecture consists of sites and three-layer DCs. Sites support
multiple modes (such as 5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi) in the form of macro, micro, and pico
base stations to implement the RAN real time function.

These functions have high requirements for computing capability and real time
performance and require the inclusion of specific dedicated hardware. Three layer
cloud DC consists of computing and storage resources. The bottom layer is the central
office DC, which is closest in relative proximity to the base station side. The second
layer is the local DC, and the upper layer is the regional DC, with each layer of
arranged DCs connected through transport networks.

According to diversified service requirements, networks generate corresponding

network topologies and a series of network function sets (network slices) for each
corresponding service type using NFV on a unified physical infrastructure. Each
network slice is derived from a unified physical network infrastructure, which greatly
reduces subsequent operators' network construction costs.

Network slices feature a logical arrangement and are separated as individual

structures, which allows for heavily customizable service functions and independent
O&M.

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 5G NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

Figure 2.1 End-to-End Network Slicing

As illustrated in the preceding figure, eMBB, uRLLC, and mMTC are independently
supported on a single physical infrastructure. eMBB slicing has high requirements for
bandwidth to deploy cache in the mobile cloud engine of a local DC, which provides
high-speed services located in close proximity to users, reducing bandwidth
requirements of backbone networks. uRLLC slicing has strict latency requirements in
application scenarios of self-driving, assistant driving, and remote management. RAN
real Time and non-Real Time processing function units must be deployed on the site
side providing

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3. RECONSTRUCTING RAN WITH CLOUD

During the course of an evolution towards RAN2020, Cloud RAN architecture is used
on the RAN side to implement RAN Real Time functions, on-demand deployment of
non real time resources, component-based functions, flexible coordination, and RAN
slicing. With Mobile Cloud Engine (MCE), Cloud RAN can implement flexible
orchestration for RAN Real time and non-real Time functions based on different
service requirements and transmission resource configuration to perform
cloudification of the RAN.

A beneficial location preferably based in close proximity to users. V2X Server and
service gateways must be deployed in the mobile cloud engine of the central office
DC, with only control-plane functions deployed in the local and regional DCs. mMTC
slicing involves a small amount of network data interaction and a low frequency of
signaling interaction in most MTC scenarios. This consequently allows the mobile
cloud engine to be deployed in the local DC, and other additional functions and
application servers can be deployed in the regional DC, which releases central office
resources and reduces operating expenses.

3.1 Network Architecture - A High Level View 5G

The RAN real time functions include access network scheduling, link adaptation,
power control, interference coordination, retransmission, modulation, and coding.
These functions require high real-time performance and computing load. The
deployment of sites must include dedicated hardware with high accelerator processing
specifications and performance, whilst located in close proximity to services. The
RAN non-real time functions include intercell handover, cell selection and
reselection, user-plane encryption, and multiple connection convergence. These
functions require minimal real-time performance, latency requirements to dozens of
milliseconds and are suitable for centralized deployment. A universal processor can
be deployed in a MCE or site according to vast service requirements.

MCE can implement complex management while coordinating multiple processing

capabilities based on regional time, frequency bands, and space. This upgraded
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 5G NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

management system allows Cloud RAN to support 4G, 4.5G, 5G, and Wi-Fi, and
implement coordination and scheduling of macro, micro, and pico site types. Network
functions are deployed on radio, backbone, or core convergence nodes to maximize
both network efficiency and additional capabilities.

Figure 3.1 Network Architecture - A High Level View 5G

Multi-connectivity is gaining a reputation as an underlying fundamental construct for

the deployment of the future network architecture. Cloud RAN can be seamlessly
deployed in a unified network architecture. This is a huge leap in radio network
deployment. In current fragmented networks, increasing speed and reducing latency
can improve user experience. Reliable high-speed data cannot depend on a single
frequency band or standard connections. In heterogeneous networks, multi
connectivity helps provide an optimal user experience based on LTE and 5G
capabilities, such as high bandwidth and rates of high frequency, network coverage
and reliable mobility of low frequency, and accessible Wi-Fi resources. In scenarios
that require high bandwidth or continuity, a user requires multiple concurrent
connections. For example, data aggregation from multiple subscriptions to 5G, LTE,
and Wi-Fi is required to produce high bandwidth. An LTE network access is required
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 5G NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

to maintain continuity after a user has accessed a 5G high-frequency small cell. In

scenarios that source multiple technologies, Cloud RAN serves as an anchor for data
connection which noticeably reduces alternative transmission. In the traditional
architecture integrating base stations as an anchor for data connection, LTE, 5G, and
Wi-Fi data is aggregated into a non-real time processing module of a specific standard
to be forwarded to each access point. In the Cloud RAN architecture, non-real time
processing function modules in access points of different modes are integrated into
the MCE, which serves as an anchor for data connection. Data flows are transmitted
to each access point over the MCE, which prevents alternative transmission and
reduces transmission investment by 15%, and latency, by 10 ms.

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4. MCE

MCE is the logical entity of central control and management for CloudRAN,
incorporating RAN non-real time functions, Wi-Fi AC, distributed gateway, service-
related application distribution entity (App), and Cache. RAN non-real time functions
include a general control plane (cRRC) to facilitate multi-connectivity and new
technology deployment, and a centralized resource management module (cRRM) to
ensure the efficient coordination of resources in heterogeneous networks. Cloud-based
SON (cSON) is introduced to improve network capacity, coverage, and transmission
resources to encompass vast extended areas and ensure the successful implementation
of slicing management.

MCE can run on a dedicated platform and general COTS platform that are deployed
above the Cloud OS and the COTS-based cloud infrastructure. This is to provide
carrier-grade disaster recovery capability, on-demand deployment based on Cloud-
Native architecture, flexible scale-in and scale-out functionality, and independent
feature upgrades.

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 5G NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

5. CLOUD NATIVE CORE ARCHITECTURE

5.1. Control and User Plane Separation Simplifies the Core
Network

Existing network gateways integrate parts of both user plane and control plane
functions. In the 5G era, many services with high requirements for latency require
gateways to be relocated by a downward shift towards the local or central office DCs.
This requires that the number of gateway nodes must increase by a factor of 20 to 30
times the original amount. If operators still opt to use the existing gateway
architecture, complex gateway service configuration will significantly increase
CAPEX and OPEX. In addition, if the control plane has subscribed reports of location
and RAT information, a large amount of signaling will be generated between the site,
distributed gateway, and network control plane. A large number of distributed
gateways will result in heavy interface link load and handover signaling load on
centralized control plane NEs.

Figure 5.1 Control and User Plane Separation Simplifies the Core Network

5.2. Flexible Network Components Satisfy Various Service

Requirements

In the 5G era, mobile networks will provide diversified services. eMBB, uRLLC, and
mMTC demand different requirements for network control functions. Existing mobile
networks cannot customize control functions for a specific service type and can only
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provide one set of logical control functions for diversified services. Tightly coupled
control functions and complex interfaces result in increasingly difficult service
deployment and network O&M. Flexible and customizable control function
components are a basic core necessity of next-generation mobile networks.

In the service-oriented 5G network architecture, logical control functions can be

abstracted as independent functional components, which can be flexibly combined
according to service requirements. Logically decoupled from other components,
network function components support neutral interfaces and implement an identical
network interface message to provide services for other network function subscribers.
Multiple coupling interfaces are transformed to converge into a single interface. A
Network function management framework provides network registration,
identification, and management. Independent features ensure that the addition of
network functions and potential upgrades do not affect existing network services.

Compared to tightly coupled network control functions, the control plane component
architecture significantly simplifies the development and deployment of new services
through flexible orchestration and plug-and-play deployment, and lays a solid
foundation for 5G E2E network slicing

Figure 5.2 Flexible Network Components Satisfy Various Service Requirements

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5.3. Unified Database Management

Rapid fault recovery is required for network data status information (such as user
data and policy data shared across data centers), to meet network reliability
requirements after the virtualization of functions. The traditional disaster recovery
mechanism based on N+1 backup relies on private signaling interaction to
implement status information synchronization, which produces system inefficiency
and complex interaction of cross-vendor products.

With separated data and control logic, network status information can be
centralized in a unified database. All network functions can access metadata
models through standard interfaces and locally store dynamic user data. Thanks to
the distributed database synchronization, network status information can implement
real-time backup between data centers. With the help of the service management
framework, the unified database simplifies the procedure for network information
retrieval functions introduced by the component based control plane to reduce the
required signaling overhead for data synchronization

Figure 5.3 Unified Database Management

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6. SELF SERVICE AGILE OPERATION

One of the targets and driving forces of network architecture evolution is to provide
diversified services using mobile networks. E2E network slicing is a fundamental
technology to achieve this target. In the 5G era, a network will contain multiple
logically separated network slices. Each slice has a specific network topology,
network function, and resource allocation model. If manual configuration is still used
for network planning and deployment, operators' O&M system will potentially face a
huge number of significant challenges.

5G networks will possess self-serving agile operation capabilities. Network slicing

services can be automatically generated, maintained, or terminated according to
services requirements, which significantly reduces subsequent operating expenses.
Third-party vertical industries can input mobile network slicing requirements on an
operation platform. The operator analyzes customer requirements based on current
network status.

After a service level agreement procedure is complete, the operator maps various
service requirements on network requirements, and selects multiple network function
components to generate a network slice. According to service features and
deployment of data centers, the operator determines logical network function
deployment nodes and defines a connection relationship, namely software-defined
topology (SDT).

After the network slicing topology is defined, an E2E protocol is defined, namely,
software defined protocol (SDP). According to service requirements, network
resources are allocated for logical connections in the logical topology, namely
software-defined resource allocation (SDRA). SDT, SDP, and SDRA constitute a list
of key functions required for Service Oriented Network Auto Creation (SONAC).

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Figure 6.1 Self Service Agile Operation

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7. CONCLUSION

In existing networks, operators have gradually used SDN and NFV to implement ICT
network hardware virtualization, but retain a conventional operational model and
software architecture. 5G networks require continuous innovation through cloud
adoption to customize network functions and enable on-demand network definition
and implementation and automatic O&M.

Physical networks are constructed based on DCs to pool hardware resources

(including part of RAN and core network devices), which maximizes resource
utilization. In addition, E2E network slicing provides logically separated virtualized
network slices for diversified services, which significantly simplifies network
construction for dedicated services.

Cloud RAN is built based on MCE. Multi-connectivity helps aggregate access

capabilities of multiple RATs, frequency bands, and site types to maximize network
efficiency. Flexible deployment of network functions helps customize networks for
various differentiated services. Cloud RAN allows operators to address challenges
and proof themselves against potential prospective uncertainties.

Based on the control and user plane separation, 5G core networks using component-
based control planes, programmable user planes, and unified database will simplify
signaling interaction and allow for the deployment of distributed gateways.
Customized network functions can allow operators to generate increasingly flexible
additional network slices to better serve subscribers needs.

SONAC implements 5G automation using SDT, SDP, and SDRA to ensure automatic
implementation of service deployment, resource scheduling, and fault recovery based
strictly on a detailed and thorough network data analysis.

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REFERENCES

[1] ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES (2017):

5G network architecture (A high level perspective) .Available at: ASO
Website.<https://www.huawei.com/minisite/hwmbbf16/insights/5G-Nework-
Architecture-Whitepaper-en.pdf>

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