Development of a Data-Driven Mobile 5G Testbed: Platform for Experimental Research

The presented 5G testbed aims to prototype an end-to-end mobile data-driven platform for experimental 5G and interdisciplinary research. The testbed design and implementation for both indoor and outdoor are described. 5G introduces more flexibility compared to previous generations of cellular networks for higher performance and flexibility and allows customization for verticals; meanwhile, it brings critical challenges for system security and user experience. Data collection at multiple components on the testbed provides the opportunity for further Artificial Intelligence (AI) based security and performance improvements in various vertical applications. The built data frameworks include data collection, labeling, synchronization, and storing for both near-real-time use cases and non-real-time use cases. This design enables O-RAN compliance through E2 and O2 interface. The outdoor mobility of our 5G testbed allows deployment to places without existing infrastructure. The throughput and latency performance of the testbed is studied. Two data-driven use cases with access to C-Band spectrum in an outdoor environment are studied and evaluated, focusing on the switching between Long Term Evolution (LTE) and (New Radio) NR cell in Non-Standalone (NSA) and antenna direction recognition to enable location aware beamforming separately. The built testbed has a flexible architecture that enables connectivity between the system under test and 5G infrastructure with minimal necessary preparation. The 5G testbed consists of a hybrid design of license-based infrastructure and open-source infrastructure to provide in-depth configurable testing capability and scalable development.