709 research outputs found
Uplink data measurement and analysis for 5G eCPRI radio unit
Abstract. The new 5G mobile network generation aims to enhance the performance of the cellular network in almost every possible aspect, offering higher data rates, lower latencies, and massive number of network connections. Arguably the most important change from LTE are the new RU-BBU split options for 5G promoted by 3GPP and other organizations. Another big conceptual shift introduced with 5G is the open RAN concept, pushed forward by organizations such as the O-RAN alliance. O-RAN aims to standardize the interfaces between different RAN elements in a way that promotes vendor interoperability and lowers the entry barrier for new equipment suppliers. Moreover, the 7-2x split option standardized by O-RAN has risen as the most important option within the different low layer split options. As the fronthaul interface, O-RAN has selected the packet-based eCPRI protocol, which has been designed to be more flexible and dynamic in terms of transport network and data-rates compared to its predecessor CPRI. Due to being a new interface, tools to analyse data from this interface are lacking.
In this thesis, a new, Python-based data analysis tool for UL eCPRI data was created for data quality validation purposes from any O-RAN 7-2x functional split based 5G eCPRI radio unit. The main goal for this was to provide concrete KPIs from captured data, including timing offset, signal power level and error vector magnitude. The tool produces visual and text-based outputs that can be used in both manual and automated testing. The tool has enhanced eCPRI UL datapath testing in radio unit integration teams by providing actual quality metrics and enabling test automation.Uplink datamittaukset ja -analyysi 5G eCPRI radiolla. Tiivistelmä. Uusi 5G mobiiliverkkogeneraatio tuo mukanaan parannuksia lähes kaikkiin mobiiliverkon ominaisuuksiin, tarjoten nopeamman datasiirron, pienemmät viiveet ja valtavat laiteverkostot. Luultavasti tärkein muutos LTE teknologiasta ovat 3GPP:n ja muiden organisaatioiden ehdottamat uudet radion ja systeemimoduulin väliset funktionaaliset jakovaihtoehdot. Toinen huomattava muutos 5G:ssä on O-RAN:in ajama avoimen RAN:in konsepti, jonka tarkoituksena on standardisoida verkkolaitteiden väliset rajapinnat niin, että RAN voidaan rakentaa eri valmistajien laitteista, laskien uusien laitevalmistajien kynnystä astua verkkolaitemarkkinoille. O-RAN:n standardisoima 7-2x funktionaalinen jako on noussut tärkeimmäksi alemman tason jakovaihtoehdoista. Fronthaul rajapinnan protokollaksi O-RAN on valinnut pakettitiedonsiirtoon perustuvan eCPRI:n, joka on suunniteltu dynaamisemmaksi ja joustavammaksi datanopeuksien ja lähetysverkon suhteen kuin edeltävä CPRI protokolla. Uutena protokollana, eCPRI rajapinnalle soveltuvia data-analyysityökaluja ei ole juurikaan saatavilla.
Tässä työssä luotiin uusi pythonpohjainen data-analyysityökalu UL suunnan eCPRI datalle, jotta datan laatu voidaan määrittää millä tahansa O-RAN 7-2x funktionaaliseen jakoon perustuvalla 5G eCPRI radiolla. Työkalun päätarkoitus on analysoida ja kuvata datan laatua laskemalla datan ajoitusoffsettia, tehotasoa, sekä EVM:ää. Työkalu tuottaa tulokset visuaalisena ja tekstipohjaisena, jotta analyysia voidaan tehdä niin manuaalisessa kuin automaattisessa testauksessa. Työkalun käyttöönotto on tehostanut UL suunnan dataputken testausta radio-integrointitiimeissä, tarjoten datan laatua kuvaavaa metriikkaa sekä mahdollistaen testauksen automatisoinnin
Performance Comparison of Dual Connectivity and Hard Handover for LTE-5G Tight Integration in mmWave Cellular Networks
MmWave communications are expected to play a major role in the Fifth
generation of mobile networks. They offer a potential multi-gigabit throughput
and an ultra-low radio latency, but at the same time suffer from high isotropic
pathloss, and a coverage area much smaller than the one of LTE macrocells. In
order to address these issues, highly directional beamforming and a very
high-density deployment of mmWave base stations were proposed. This Thesis aims
to improve the reliability and performance of the 5G network by studying its
tight and seamless integration with the current LTE cellular network. In
particular, the LTE base stations can provide a coverage layer for 5G mobile
terminals, because they operate on microWave frequencies, which are less
sensitive to blockage and have a lower pathloss. This document is a copy of the
Master's Thesis carried out by Mr. Michele Polese under the supervision of Dr.
Marco Mezzavilla and Prof. Michele Zorzi. It will propose an LTE-5G tight
integration architecture, based on mobile terminals' dual connectivity to LTE
and 5G radio access networks, and will evaluate which are the new network
procedures that will be needed to support it. Moreover, this new architecture
will be implemented in the ns-3 simulator, and a thorough simulation campaign
will be conducted in order to evaluate its performance, with respect to the
baseline of handover between LTE and 5G.Comment: Master's Thesis carried out by Mr. Michele Polese under the
supervision of Dr. Marco Mezzavilla and Prof. Michele Zorz
Otimização do fronthaul ótico para redes de acesso de rádio (baseadas) em computação em nuvem (CC-RANs)
Doutoramento conjunto (MAP-Tele) em Engenharia Eletrotécnica/TelecomunicaçõesA proliferação de diversos tipos de dispositivos moveis, aplicações e serviços
com grande necessidade de largura de banda têm contribuído para o aumento
de ligações de banda larga e ao aumento do volume de trafego das
redes de telecomunicações moveis. Este aumento exponencial tem posto
uma enorme pressão nos mobile operadores de redes móveis (MNOs). Um
dos aspetos principais deste recente desenvolvimento, é a necessidade que as
redes têm de oferecer baixa complexidade nas ligações, como também baixo
consumo energético, muito baixa latência e ao mesmo tempo uma grande
capacidade por baixo usto. De maneira a resolver estas questões, os MNOs
têm focado a sua atenção na redes de acesso por rádio em nuvem (C-RAN)
principalmente devido aos seus benefícios em termos de otimização de performance
e relação qualidade preço. O standard para a distribuição de sinais
sem fios por um fronthaul C-RAN é o common public radio interface (CPRI).
No entanto, ligações óticas baseadas em interfaces CPRI necessitam de uma
grande largura de banda. Estes requerimentos podem também ser atingidos
com uma implementação em ligação free space optical (FSO) que é um sistema
ótico que usa comunicação sem fios. O FSO tem sido uma alternativa
muito apelativa aos sistemas de comunicação rádio (RF) pois combinam a
flexibilidade e mobilidade das redes RF ao mesmo tempo que permitem a
elevada largura de banda permitida pelo sistema ótico. No entanto, as ligações
FSO são suscetíveis a alterações atmosféricas que podem prejudicar
o desempenho do sistema de comunicação. Estas limitações têm evitado o
FSO de ser tornar uma excelente solução para o fronthaul. Uma caracterização
precisa do canal e tecnologias mais avançadas são então necessárias
para uma implementação pratica de ligações FSO. Nesta tese, vamos estudar
uma implementação eficiente para fronthaul baseada em tecnologia
á rádio-sobre-FSO (RoFSO). Propomos expressões em forma fechada para
mitigação das perdas de propagação e para a estimação da capacidade do
canal de maneira a aliviar a complexidade do sistema de comunicação. Simulações
numéricas são também apresentadas para formatos de modulação
adaptativas. São também considerados esquemas como um sistema hibrido
RF/FSO e tecnologias de transmissão apoiadas por retransmissores
que ajudam a alivar os requerimentos impostos por um backhaul/fronthaul
de C-RAN. Os modelos propostos não só reduzem o esforço computacional,
como também têm outros méritos, tais como, uma elevada precisão na estimação
do canal e desempenho, baixo requisitos na capacidade de memória
e uma rápida e estável operação comparativamente com o estado da arte
em sistemas analíticos (PON)-FSO. Este sistema é implementado num recetor
em tempo real que é emulado através de uma field-programmable gate
array (FPGA) comercial. Permitindo assim um sistema aberto, interoperabilidade,
portabilidade e também obedecer a standards de software aberto.
Os esquemas híbridos têm a habilidade de suportar diferentes aplicações,
serviços e múltiplos operadores a partilharem a mesma infraestrutura de
fibra ótica.The proliferation of different mobile devices, bandwidth-intensive applications
and services contribute to the increase in the broadband connections
and the volume of traffic on the mobile networks. This exponential growth
has put considerable pressure on the mobile network operators (MNOs). In
principal, there is a need for networks that not only offer low-complexity,
low-energy consumption, and extremely low-latency but also high-capacity
at relatively low cost. In order to address the demand, MNOs have given significant
attention to the cloud radio access network (C-RAN) due to its beneficial
features in terms of performance optimization and cost-effectiveness.
The de facto standard for distributing wireless signal over the C-RAN fronthaul
is the common public radio interface (CPRI). However, optical links
based on CPRI interfaces requires large bandwidth. Also, the aforementioned
requirements can be realized with the implementation of free space
optical (FSO) link, which is an optical wireless system. The FSO is an appealing
alternative to the radio frequency (RF) communication system that
combines the flexibility and mobility offered by the RF networks with the
high-data rates provided by the optical systems. However, the FSO links are
susceptible to atmospheric impairments which eventually hinder the system
performance. Consequently, these limitations prevent FSO from being an
efficient standalone fronthaul solution. So, precise channel characterizations
and advanced technologies are required for practical FSO link deployment
and operation. In this thesis, we study an efficient fronthaul implementation
that is based on radio-on-FSO (RoFSO) technologies. We propose closedform
expressions for fading-mitigation and for the estimation of channel
capacity so as to alleviate the system complexity. Numerical simulations
are presented for adaptive modulation scheme using advanced modulation
formats. We also consider schemes like hybrid RF/FSO and relay-assisted
transmission technologies that can help in alleviating the stringent requirements
by the C-RAN backhaul/fronthaul. The propose models not only
reduce the computational requirements/efforts, but also have a number of
diverse merits such as high-accuracy, low-memory requirements, fast and
stable operation compared to the current state-of-the-art analytical based
approaches. In addition to the FSO channel characterization, we present
a proof-of-concept experiment in which we study the transmission capabilities
of a hybrid passive optical network (PON)-FSO system. This is
implemented with the real-time receiver that is emulated by a commercial
field-programmable gate array (FPGA). This helps in facilitating an
open system and hence enables interoperability, portability, and open software
standards. The hybrid schemes have the ability to support different
applications, services, and multiple operators over a shared optical fiber
infrastructure
Non-Orthogonal Signal and System Design for Wireless Communications
The thesis presents research in non-orthogonal multi-carrier signals, in which: (i) a new signal format termed truncated orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (TOFDM) is proposed to improve data rates in wireless communication systems, such as those used in mobile/cellular systems and wireless local area networks (LANs), and (ii) a new design and experimental implementation of a real-time spectrally efficient frequency division multiplexing (SEFDM) system are reported. This research proposes a modified version of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) format, obtained by truncating OFDM symbols in the time-domain. In TOFDM, subcarriers are no longer orthogonally packed in the frequency-domain as time samples are only partially transmitted, leading to improved spectral efficiency. In this work, (i) analytical expressions are derived for the newly proposed TOFDM signal, followed by (ii) interference analysis, (iii) systems design for uncoded and coded schemes, (iv) experimental implementation and (v) performance evaluation of the new proposed signal and system, with comparisons to conventional OFDM systems. Results indicate that signals can be recovered with truncated symbol transmission. Based on the TOFDM principle, a new receiving technique, termed partial symbol recovery (PSR), is designed and implemented in software de ned radio (SDR), that allows efficient operation of two users for overlapping data, in wireless communication systems operating with collisions. The PSR technique is based on recovery of collision-free partial OFDM symbols, followed by the reconstruction of complete symbols to recover progressively the frames of two users suffering collisions. The system is evaluated in a testbed of 12-nodes using SDR platforms. The thesis also proposes channel estimation and equalization technique for non-orthogonal signals in 5G scenarios, using an orthogonal demodulator and zero padding. Finally, the implementation of complete SEFDM systems in real-time is investigated and described in detail
Analog radio over fiber solutions for multi-band 5g systems
This study presents radio over fiber (RoF) solutions for the fifth-generation (5G) of wireless networks. After the state of the art and a technical background review, four main contributions are reported. The first one is proposing and investigating a RoF technique based on a dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM) for multi-band mobile fronthauls, in which two radiofrequency (RF) signals in the predicted 5G bands individually feed an arm of the optical modulator. Experimental results demonstrate the approach enhances the RF interference mitigation and can prevail over traditional methods.
The second contribution comprises the integration of a 5G transceiver, previously developed by our group, in a passive optical network (PON) using RoF technology and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) overlay. The proposed architecture innovates by employing DD-MZM and enables to simultaneously transport baseband and 5G candidate RF signals in the same PON infrastructure. The proof-of-concept includes the transmission of a generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) signal generated by the 5G transceiver in the 700 MHz band, a 26 GHz digitally modulated signal as a millimeter-waves 5G band, and a baseband signal from an gigabit PON (GPON). Experimental results demonstrate the 5G transceiver digital performance when using RoF technology for distributing the GFDM signal, as well as Gbit/s throughput at 26 GHz.
The third contribution is the implementation of a flexible-waveform and multi-application fiber-wireless (FiWi) system toward 5G. Such system includes the FiWi transmission of the GFDM and filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (F-OFDM) signals at 788 MHz, toward long-range cells for remote or rural mobile access, as well as the recently launched 5G NR standard in microwave and mm-waves, aiming enhanced mobile broadband indoor and outdoor applications. Digital signal processing (DSP) is used for selecting the waveform and linearizing the RoF link. Experimental results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed solution to address 5G scenarios and requirements, besides the applicability of using existent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks from Internet service providers for implementing 5G systems.
Finally, the fourth contribution is the implementation of a multi-band 5G NR system with photonic-assisted RF amplification (PAA). The approach takes advantage of a novel PAA technique, based on RoF technology and four-wave mixing effect, that allows straightforward integration to the transport networks. Experimental results demonstrate
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uniform and stable 15 dB wideband gain for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and three 5G signals, distributed in the frequency range from 780 MHz to 26 GHz and coexisting in the mobile fronthaul. The obtained digital performance has efficiently met the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) requirements, demonstrating the applicability of the proposed approach for using fiber-optic links to distribute and jointly amplify LTE and 5G signals in the optical domain.Agência 1Este trabalho apresenta soluções de rádio sobre fibra (RoF) para aplicações em redes sem fio de quinta geração (5G), e inclui quatro contribuições principais. A primeira delas refere-se à proposta e investigação de uma técnica de RoF baseada no modulador eletroóptico de braço duplo, dual-drive Mach-Zehnder (DD-MZM), para a transmissão simultânea de sinais de radiofrequência (RF) em bandas previstas para redes 5G. Resultados experimentais demonstram que o uso do DD-MZM favorece a ausência de interferência entre os sinais de RF transmitidos.
A segunda contribuição trata da integração de um transceptor de RF, desenvolvido para aplicações 5G e apto a prover a forma de onda conhecida como generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), em uma rede óptica passiva (PON) ao utilizar RoF e multiplexação por divisão de comprimento de onda (WDM). A arquitetura proposta permite transportar, na mesma infraestrutura de rede, sinais em banda base e de radiofrequência nas faixas do espectro candidatas para 5G. A prova de conceito inclui a distribuição conjunta de três tipos de sinais: um sinal GFDM na banda de 700 MHz, proveniente do transceptor desenvolvido; um sinal digital na frequência de 26 GHz, assumindo a faixa de ondas milimétricas; sinais em banda base provenientes de uma PON dedicada ao serviço de Internet. Resultados experimentais demonstram o desempenho do transceptor de RF ao utilizar a referida arquitetura para distribuir sinais GFDM, além de taxas de transmissão de dados da ordem de Gbit/s na faixa de 26 GHz.
A terceira contribuição corresponde à implementação de um sistema fibra/rádio potencial para redes 5G, operando inclusive com o padrão ―5G New Radio (5G NR)‖ nas faixas de micro-ondas e ondas milimétricas. Tal sistema é capaz de prover macro células na banda de 700 MHz para aplicações de longo alcance e/ou rurais, utilizando sinais GFDM ou filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (F-OFDM), assim como femto células na banda de 26 GHz, destinada a altas taxas de transmissão de dados para comunicações de curto alcance. Resultados experimentais demonstram a aplicabilidade da solução proposta para redes 5G, além da viabilidade de utilizar redes ópticas pertencentes a provedores de Internet para favorecer sistemas de nova geração.
Por fim, a quarta contribuição trata da implementação de um sistema 5G NR multibanda, assistido por amplificação de RF no domínio óptico. Esse sistema faz uso de um novo método de amplificação, baseado no efeito não linear da mistura de quatro ondas, que
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permite integração direta em redes de transporte envolvendo rádio sobre fibra. Resultados experimentais demonstram ganho de RF igual a 15 dB em uma ampla faixa de frequências (700 MHz até 26 GHz), atendendo simultaneamente tecnologias de quarta e quinta geração. O desempenho digital obtido atendeu aos requisitos estabelecidos pela 3GPP (Third-Generation Partnership Project), indicando a aplicabilidade da solução em questão para distribuir e conjuntamente amplificar sinais de RF em enlaces de fibra óptica
End-to-End Simulation of 5G mmWave Networks
Due to its potential for multi-gigabit and low latency wireless links,
millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is expected to play a central role in 5th
generation cellular systems. While there has been considerable progress in
understanding the mmWave physical layer, innovations will be required at all
layers of the protocol stack, in both the access and the core network.
Discrete-event network simulation is essential for end-to-end, cross-layer
research and development. This paper provides a tutorial on a recently
developed full-stack mmWave module integrated into the widely used open-source
ns--3 simulator. The module includes a number of detailed statistical channel
models as well as the ability to incorporate real measurements or ray-tracing
data. The Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers are modular and
highly customizable, making it easy to integrate algorithms or compare
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) numerologies, for example.
The module is interfaced with the core network of the ns--3 Long Term Evolution
(LTE) module for full-stack simulations of end-to-end connectivity, and
advanced architectural features, such as dual-connectivity, are also available.
To facilitate the understanding of the module, and verify its correct
functioning, we provide several examples that show the performance of the
custom mmWave stack as well as custom congestion control algorithms designed
specifically for efficient utilization of the mmWave channel.Comment: 25 pages, 16 figures, submitted to IEEE Communications Surveys and
Tutorials (revised Jan. 2018
LTE performance evaluation with realistic channel quality indicator feedback
In the context of mobile communications, the availability of new services and mobile applications along with the constant evolution in terminals run up the need of higher data rates. In order to fulfill such expectations, mobile operators are continually optimizing and upgrading their networks. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) seems to be the path to follow in a very short term.
The objective of this project is to study the behaviour of the radio resource assignment in LTE under realistic conditions. The scheduling is a key process in the functioning of the radio interface. Thus, two types of schedulers can be identified, the opportunistic, where the scheduler considers the state of the radio channel to make the best allocation possible, and the non-opportunistic, where the allocation has no knowledge of the radio channel‘s state.
As the opportunistic option adapts to the radio channel conditions it requires the transmission of a certain level of signalling from users informing about how the channel evolves along time. One of the objectives of this project is to evaluate the system performance under different degrees of feedback. To do this, different CQI reporting methods have been programmed and simulated. So, to achieve this objective it is obvious that a second one is necessary: program and simulate in a more realistic way the LTE radio channel.
The followed methodology has been fundamentally the programming of different mathematical models and algorithms, as well as its simulation. In concrete, one of the main tasks in this work has been to extent a software platform of the research group Wicomtec to obtain more realistic results through dynamic simulations over a dynamic radio channel
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