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Parallel WI - 5G NR

This document discusses 5G NR logical architecture and functional splits. It introduces concepts like modularization, network slicing, and softwarization that enable novel 5G capabilities. The 5G NR radio access network architecture separates the gNB into a centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU). This allows for various functional splits between control and user plane, as well as central and distributed functions. Different splits trade off benefits like performance, scalability and optimization depending on network morphology. A software-based RAN can support dynamic split options to best suit varying environments.

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Rohit Jain
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488 views10 pages

Parallel WI - 5G NR

This document discusses 5G NR logical architecture and functional splits. It introduces concepts like modularization, network slicing, and softwarization that enable novel 5G capabilities. The 5G NR radio access network architecture separates the gNB into a centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU). This allows for various functional splits between control and user plane, as well as central and distributed functions. Different splits trade off benefits like performance, scalability and optimization depending on network morphology. A software-based RAN can support dynamic split options to best suit varying environments.

Uploaded by

Rohit Jain
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5G NR Logical

Architecture and its


Functional Splits
Babak Jafarian, PhD

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 1


5G Enablers and Principles
Novel concepts that was not envisioned by the previous generation architectures
•  Modularization
⎯  Previous networks: monolithic network functions corresponding to physical network elements
⎯  5G networks: modular network functions (NFs) for both control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) for
both access network (AN) and core network (CN)
•  Network Slicing
⎯  NFs to provides specific network capabilities for service verticals
⎯  Resource abstractions by utilizing software-based NFs
•  Network Softwarization
⎯  “Network programmability” by extending SDN to all control and data layers
•  In network slices supporting URLLC, virtual NFs deployed closely to the users → reduced latency

•  Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)


⎯  Native support of MEC → reduced E2E latency and increased network efficiency

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 2


5G NR Radio Access Network
Basic Architecture
•  The gNB is responsible for all radio-related functions in one or
several cells
⎯  RRM and admission control and
⎯  Routing of user-plane (UP) data to UPF through N3
⎯  Routing control-plane (CP) information to AMF through N2
•  3GPP considered the split concept (DU and CU) for NR from
the beginning
•  Xn interface connecting gNBs directly to support active-mode
mobility and DC functionalities
⎯  It may also used for multicell RRM functions
•  Standard Fs interface for connecting gNB-CU and gNB-DU
•  No specific split proposed by 3GPP
⎯  General guidance RRC, SDAP and PDCP reside in gNB-CU and
remaining protocol entities (RLC, MAC and PHY) in gNB-DU

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 3


Where did the Split Concept Start?
It started with C-RAN

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 4


Evolution to OpenRAN
Distributed and Central Units
•  3GPP introduced the DU and CU concept as the
evolution path toward vRAN
•  Introduction of midhaul provides more flexibility for
transport options

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 5


5G RAN Functional Splits
Native support for various functional splits along two dimensions
•  Control Plane/User Plane split (Vertical
split)
⎯  First step for introduction of SDN in the RAN
⎯  Allows separate optimization of CP and UP
⎯  Consistent CP in multi-vendor networks
⎯  More challenges for lower layer splits
•  Central Unit/Distributed Unit split
(Horizontal split)
⎯  Obtain centralization gain, both in terms of
performance gains and economy of scale
⎯  Shift functionalities to deferent locations
based on morphologies and transport
availabilities
⎯  Make overall RAN more future proof and less
costly for future generation upgrades

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 6


Hierarchical RRM
5G CU/DU split and hierarchical RRM
•  Central RRM located at CU coordinate the lower layer
functions across multiple DUs
•  The general functionalities of central RRM are:
⎯  Radio resource allocation
⎯  Call admission
⎯  Call selection
⎯  Load balancing
⎯  Mobility
⎯  Multi-connectivity
•  MAC dynamic schedular is the most important part of
RRM
⎯  Dynamic scheduler needs context information for the users
under it control to fulfill the user QoS
⎯  Variable TTI size scheduling
⎯  Punctured/preemptive scheduling

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 7


Splits Trade-Offs

•  Not a single split is going to fit all •  Only a software based RAN can support
dynamic and fluid split options
•  Different morphologies require different splits
•  Control plane splits (vertical) are as important
as user plane splits (horizontal)

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 8


Parallel Wireless Split Architecture
Split architecture for All Gs
•  Remote Radio Head (RRH): third
party off the self RRH
•  Virtual Radio Unit (vRU): COTS
server to act as a CU/DU
•  HetNet Gateway (HNG): full
software based All G SON and
orchestrator
•  Split 7.2 for efficiency and
fronthaul scalability

Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 9


Parallel Wireless, Inc. Proprietary 10

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