SEMU5G: an Emulator for Improving Model Accuracy and Performance Evaluation of 5G Network Core Architectures based on SDN

The rapid advancement of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture is facilitating the construction of 5G networks, marking a significant milestone in telecommunications evolution. Given the complexity of the 5G core architecture, traditional simulation methods are insufficient, necessitating novel approaches. Emulator systems are crucial for creating dynamic, controlled environments that enable exploration of real-world scenarios without physical constraints. SEMU5G, a 5G core emulator, SDN controller, and RAN simulator, utilizes Open5GS implemented in Docker Container for test system flexibility and isolation. Additionally, an SDN controller is integrated to monitor data flows in the User Plane Function (UPF) and gNB simulated by UERANSIM in Mininet-WiFi. This comprehensive integration facilitates effective and flexible real-world exploration, providing a dynamic and controlled test environment for 5G core research. Scenario testing comprises two stages: firstly, a fixed network topology is employed to compare resource usage and confirm successful SEMU5G integration. Secondly, a mobile network topology is utilized to implement a mobile device scenario and compare the Quality of Service (QoS) of SEMU5G with other available emulators. These stages ensure thorough evaluation of SEMU5G's performance and its comparative advantage over existing solutions.