Campus-Based Full-Scale and Portable Open-Source 5G SA Networks: Prototyping and Experiments

In light of the thrilling development of future mobile communication systems and worldwide 5G deployment, there is a trend toward open-source-based solutions, which could reduce costs, provide flexibility, enable innovation, and expand know-how on 5G RAN and 5G CN operations. In this study, we design and implement two distinct 5G SA open-source-based testbeds. The first network architecture, a Portable Network, comprises a Lenovo laptop used in tandem with a USRP B210. The second network architecture, a Full-Scale Network, is a campus-based 5G network deployed at a lab facility, consisting of a Dell server and a USRP X300. Based on the implementations of these two network architectures, extensive experiments have been performed with a COTS UE connected to the network. Our results provide insight on the performance of such networks with respect to network connectivity and computing performance.