Redes 5G y Tecnologías Habilitadoras

Marco Antonio Sotelo Monge

masotelo@ucm.es
Tema 06:
C-RAN
Think about …

Can we apply the principles of cloud-computing into

the RAN architecture? At what extent?

Is there any relationship between Cloud and Edge

computing?
C-RAN

Cooperative-RAN
Clean-RAN

Centralized-RAN

Cloud-RAN
RAN Evolution
Centralized vs Distributed BS
C-RAN: Overview

M. Vaezi, et. al
C-RAN

“RAN architecture that changes the traditional RAN architecture in a way

that it can take advantage of technologies like cloud computing,
virtualization, MIMO, and software-defined networking. ”

M. Vaezi, et. al
Characteristics

Conventional distributed cell site base stations are replaced with one or
multiple clusters of centralized virtual base stations.

Each can support up to hundreds of RRHs (stringent measurements may be

needed)

C-RAN offers a compelling value proposition to operators with easy resource

scaling, higher resource utilization, and less energy consumption.

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Motivation for C-RAN

Lower-costs Better performance

Enhanced flexibility Low complexity

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C-RAN

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Mobile Backhaul and Fronthaul

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C-RAN principles

Centralization Virtualization

Statistical Multi-cell
Multiplexing cooperation

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C-RAN Benefits

Expansion into areas with

Agile Upgrading
poor power availability
[Even vendor selection]
[green communications]

Lower CAPEX Lower OPEX

[site acquisition, civil works] [site rental, O&M]

Less energy consumption

Higher capacity
[air-conditioning, less hardware,
[BBU pools]
carbon footprint]

Scalability and reliability

[Capacity expansion]

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RAN Protocol Architecture

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C-RAN Architectures

Fully Centralized Partially Centralized

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C-RAN architectural approaches

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C-RAN architectural approaches

Achitecture 1 All functions are centralized.

Achitecture 2 L1 (physical layer) functions are not centralized.

Achitecture 3 L2 and L1 functions are not centralized

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C-RAN and Small Cells

Cost-saving

Small
C-RAN
Simplified Cells
roll-out

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Fronthauling: CPRI
Non-packetized protocol that was specifically designed for the fronthaul networks

Based on digital radio over fiber (D-RoF)

This transport system is agnostic to the radio technology because it transports an

analog signal in a digital form.

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Fronthauling: CPRI
Higher bitrates and latency constraints.

Jitter and synchronization issues.

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Enhanced CPRI (eCPRI)

The eCPRI interface offers efficient and flexible radio data transmission via
packet based fronthaul transport network such as IP or Ethernet.

Candidate technological approach to be further evolved in 5G architectures.

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C-RAN and Mobile Edge Computing
Distribution of cloud computing capabilities to the edge of the radio access
network.

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MEC vs C-RAN (T. Tran et. al)
MEC C-RAN
Co-located with base stations or
Location Centralized, remote data centers
aggregation points.
Deployment
Low High
planning
Hardware Heterogeneous Highly capable
Fronthaul Grow with the total amount of data Grow with respect to the total
requirements to be sent to the core aggregated data.
Average due to the fronthauling
Scalability Easier
requirements
Application delay Support time-critical applications. Application-dependant.
Location
Yes N/A
Awareness

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 NFV-based C-RAN/Edge architecture for 5G

From: selfnet-5g.eu
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 NFV-based C-RAN/Edge architecture for 5G

From: selfnet-5g.eu
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Final remarks

1
C-RAN relies on the idea of centralizing RAN functionalities into a
shared resource pool or cloud.

2 It has become one of the key enablers of 5G architectures.

C-RAN poses a compelling alternative for operators, provided that

3
certain requirements (i.e. latency, performance) are met.

4 MEC and C-RAN architectural approaches are frequently binded

and they have proven compatibility.

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References
▪ Mojtaba Vaezi, Ying Zhang. Cloud mobile networks : from RAN to EPC . Springer,
2017.

▪ Waqar, M; Kim, A. Performance Improvement of Ethernet-Based Fronthaul

Bridged Networks in 5G Cloud Radio Access Networks. Applied Sciences, 2019, vol.
9, no 14, p. 2823.

▪ Wu, Jun, et al. Cloud radio access network (C-RAN): a primer. IEEE Network, 2015,
vol. 29, no 1, p. 35-41.

▪ Common Public Radio Interface. http://www.cpri.info

▪ SELFNET: Framework For Self-organized Network Management in Virtualized And

Software Defined Networks. https://selfnet-5g.eu

▪ TRAN, Tuyen X., et al. Collaborative mobile edge computing in 5G networks: New
paradigms, scenarios, and challenges. arXiv:1612.03184, 2016.

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Q&A
Thank you