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A Comprehensive Tutorial on How to Practically Build and Deploy 5G Networks Using Open-Source Software and General-Purpose, Off-the-Shelf Hardware

Motivated by the many benefits enabled by Open RAN, there is a need for an educational comprehensive step-by-step tutorial on how an individual/company can practically build and deploy a 5G network using open-source software and commercial off-the-shelf, general-purpose hardware

Published onDec 16, 2021
A Comprehensive Tutorial on How to Practically Build and Deploy 5G Networks Using Open-Source Software and General-Purpose, Off-the-Shelf Hardware
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Abstract

5G technology is the cornerstone for new services like eMBB, uRLLC, and mMTC, thus it should be globally available and affordable to make these services a reality. Yet most vendors responsible for the manufacturing of 5G hardware equipment and software still utilize and adopt the classical closed radio access network (RAN) concept. Consequently, this forces mobile operators, who want to deploy such equipment to build 5G cellular networks, to pay a hefty, unreasonable amount of money and still end up in vendor lock-in, which limits them from making personal changes in the network architecture or using different equipment and software from other vendors. This generally means that operators do not have complete control over the network, which they have paid for. To tackle this challenge, a new concept called Open RAN has recently emerged, which has attracted significant attention by industry leaders due to its very exciting features like the ability to use open-source software, general-purpose hardware, having the hardware separated from the software while maintaining full transparency, and interoperability. Motivated by the many features and benefits enabled by Open RAN, there is a huge need for an educational comprehensive step-by-step tutorial on how an individual or company can practically build and deploy a 5G network using open-source software and commercial off-the-shelf, general-purpose hardware. In this tutorial, we discuss almost everything related to the history and background of 5G companies and manufacturers, legacy RAN solutions and equipment, different ways and approaches to build a 5G network including RAN, CORE, and EDGE frameworks, open-source software, and generic hardware. After this, we illustrate in detail the steps of how to build and set up a 5G network using srsRAN with LimeSDR, and Raspberry Pi 4. In the end, we list the best possible PCs and software-defined radio (SDR) combinations that can be extremely helpful in building 5G networks.

Keywords: 4G, 5G, 6G, radio access networks, RANs, Closed RAN, Open RAN, universal software radio peripheral, USRP, open-source software, software-defined radio, SDR, srsRAN, 5G Non stand alone.

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Open RAN And Private 5G Networks - ResearcherStore
Open RAN And Private 5G Networks - ResearcherStore
Description

Open RAN and Private 5G Networks The content of the course is listed below. PART 1: Introduction To Open RAN What is Open RAN and why do we need it? Understanding Classical and Distributed RAN (D-RAN) Equipments from traditional vendors (BBU & Boards) C-RAN or Centralised RAN) V-RAN or Virtualizes RAN Evolution towards Open RAN Part 2: Open RAN Groups And Ecosystem Open RAN Groups & Initiatives Telecom Infra Project ORAN Alliance Open Ran players & Ecosystem Open Ran Trials & deployments Part 3: Deep Dive Into O-RAN Architecture RU/CU/DU Split Oran Architecture Service Management and  Orchestration Framework (SMO) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) xAPPs, rAPPs, AI, ML O-Cloud, O-CU, O-DU, O-RU Relevant interfaces in O-RAN architecture Part 4: O-RAN Split Options (8 Options) Different RAN split options Which Option split to consider Relevant interfaces in O-RAN architecture Security issues. Part 5: Use cases and scenarios Different companies with different cases Real live examples using O-RAN Relevant success stories Recommendations and suggestions If you want to prepare yourself to build practical, and fully open telecom equipment, software programs, and end-to-end 4G/5G systems alternative and competitive to those produced by conventional Telecom companies, such as NOKIA, HUAWEI, SAMSUNG, ERICSSON, ZTE, etc., or want to learn how to build private 4G/5G networks, then this course is just for you. In this course, you will learn in detail most technical aspects of building end-to-end 4G and 5G systems including eNodeB/gNodeB, UE, and EPC/5GC. After you complete watching all the lecture videos of the course, you will be able to get a professional certificate of completion. ============ Private networks, no matter who you ask (see: here, here, or here) have transitioned from lab toys to a multi-billion dollar industry. Open source too has left the lab and solutions from the likes of RedHat, OpenStack, O-RAN Alliance, and the Telecom Infra Project are a growing presence in operators' networks globally. As the footprint of open source grows, and network operators see the benefits of deploying open source, the industry is responding by developing open source solutions moving up the stack. Now with the introduction of the Magma project, open-source is moving into complex network functions like the core of the 4G and 5G mobile networks. Dumping gas on the open and private network fire, the FCC has made available commercially deployable CBRS spectrum that we see taking off in the recent auction and as Spectrum Access Systems (SASs) go live. With its 3-tier access, CBRS means anyone can get a meaningful chunk of airwaves with 25 times (or more) the power of most Wi-Fi networks to deliver high-quality wireless services. In light of these changes, in this version of the build your own network how-to, I will move our target from a lab network to a commercial-grade LTE network deployment. Let’s get started. The Ingredients There are 6 key components to an open and private LTE network: Open RAN Open RAN

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