Exploring the Potential of a 5G NSA Network Deployed with Open Source and USRP B210 Equipment

This article presents the implementation of an open-source 5G Non-standalone (NSA) network for the Communications Laboratory of the Faculty of Informatics and Electronics. The open-source software Open Air Interface (OAI) and USRP B210 devices were used as software defined radio hardware. The network implementation was carried out using Linux containers for the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and Radio Access Network (RAN) components of OAI. Employing appropriate parameters configurations, a USIM card was programming to ensure the connection of the User Equipment (UE) to the 5G NSA network. Additionally, indoor measurements of the 5G NSA network were conducted using a Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G, to determine the coverage within the FIE Communications Laboratory. In other hand, latency tests revealed delays of 12 ms approximately, and the UE was provided with internet access with UL speeds of 7 Mbps and DL speeds of 125 Mbps approximately. By comparing these results with the theoretical values defined by 3GPP, favourable outcomes were obtained.