On the demonstration and evaluation of service-based slices in 5G test network using NFV

Abstract This paper demonstrates the realization of different network services, 5G Test Network (5GTN) as a mobile network operator at the University of Oulu provides based on an open access network availability for research and innovation. A network platform with use case and service dedicated slicing is designed on the fundamental principles of ETSI compliant NFV Management and Network Orchestration (MANO) framework. The slicing is done primarily on the Core Networks (CN) with evolved packet core and ip multimedia subsystem functionalities in different slices. The virtual network function instances are instantiated in OpenStack and VMWare cloud environments using an NFV Orchestrator. The virtual instances and the required resources can be instantiated, terminated and scaled in a slice according to the requirements of the end user and nature of the use case. Focusing on different service demands, the paper demonstrates three test cases utilizing different slices from the components in the CN for each case. It also provides an overview on radio spectrum sharing possibility between two operators on a specified service level agreement with each operator having own CN infrastructure

Vertical use cases in the Finnish 5G test network

Abstract The Finnish 5G test network (5GTN) supports development of new network technologies, and services and applications on top of these. It is developed and operated in collaboration with partners from different domains such as research, telecommunications, internet of things, software services, and data analytics. 5GTN is designed to support building products and services on top of latest and upcoming network technologies. A current example of this is exploring opportunities for new services, and impacts from 5G technologies, such as higher datarates, lower delays, and dense deployments. In this paper, we describe a set of use cases from different domain verticals, built on top of 5GTN, and the experiences so far from those use cases

NB-IoT micro-operator for smart campus:performance and lessons learned in 5GTN

Abstract In recent years, many new radio-based connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) have been proposed. At the same time, development towards the 6G has brought on the stage the new business concepts. One of them is the concept of a micro-operator and implies the local entities to act as the telecom infrastructure owner and provider in their premises. In the current paper, we discuss the deployment and report the practical performance of a single-cell NB-IoT deployed as a part of the 5G Test Network (5GTN) and controlled by a smart-campus micro-operator. The practical measurements reported in the paper have been carried in the University of Oulu within a huge interconnected indoor environment with the total floor area of 188 600 m^{2}$. Our results demonstrate that the NB-IoT technology is a viable connectivity solution for various non-critical machine-based applications deployed indoors, highlight the practical performance of this technology, and reveal some practical specifics and challenges of acting as an IoT micro-operator

5G champion:rolling out 5G in 2018

Abstract The 5G CHAMPION Consortium will provide the first fully integrated and operational 5G prototype in 2018 — this effort is a major leap ahead compared to existing punctual technology trials, such as, e.g., Proof-of-Concept platforms focusing on mmWave communication in specific bands, etc. This paper describes the overall set-up including a synergetic combination of technologies such as beamforming based mmWave & Satellite service provisioning, virtualized infrastructure, software reconfiguration across the entire stack, accurate positioning and high-speed solutions. The key enablers are described in detail and related efforts in standards and regulation organizations are discussed