Building virtualized 5G networks using open source software

The upcoming 5G mobile networks will not only bring high data rates but also deliver flexibility and adaptability, which is conveyed by the virtualization of the mobile network. Unfortunately, virtualization of mobile networks is not well understood, and the work described in this paper aims at investigating and elucidating the particular matter. As a starting point, OpenAirInterface, an open source mobile communication software is selected for first virtualization and then cloudification. In addition to the descriptions of the virtualization and cloudification, the paper also provides key findings and lessons learned of the experiments.