Next-Gen Connectivity: Dynamic QoS Optimization for 5G Standalone and Vertical Integration

The evolving landscape of 5G Standalone (SA) and beyond networks is being increasingly focused on vertical industries. To unlock the full potential for verticals, it is important to tightly integrate Edge Network Applications (EdgeApps) tailored to vertical use cases, with the 5G SA network, while allowing them to interact with each other at the same time. Such interaction enables more transparency in expressing Quality of Service (QoS) demands from verticals in the form of intent while hiding the network complexity from them. In this paper, we propose two EdgeApps, which by interacting with both User Equipments (UEs) and 5G SA network, are becoming aware of network quality (quality-awareness) and context around UEs (situational-awareness). Such awareness is also enabled by initiatives such as GSMA Open Gateway and CAMARA, where network and IT functionality are exposed to application developers through standardized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that abstract the underlying complexity on the telco and IT systems. In this paper, we utilize the Nokia Network as Code (NaC) platform that exposes the capabilities of the Telenet 5G SA network through CAMARA APIs allowing our EdgeApps to dynamically and in real-time create events that trigger changes in QoS levels required by vertical applications. The paper showcases this concept through a case study within the Transport and Logistics (T&L) sector, which is focused on improving the safety and efficiency of remote vessel operation in busy port environments. The overall solution is deployed and tested on the Antwerp 5G SA testbed, which consists of the UEs (vehicle and vessel) and 5G network infrastructure in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, as well as the 5G edge where EdgeApps are running. This research contributes to the broader objective of incorporating diverse industrial applications into the 5G and beyond ecosystem, showcasing tangible benefits for vertical industries.