Service Based Virtual RAN Architecture for Next Generation Cellular Systems

Engin Zeydan,Yekta Turk,Josep Mangues-Bafalluy,Manuel Requena,Jorge Baranda

doi:10.1109/access.2022.3144534

Abstract

Service based architecture (SBA) is a paradigm shift from Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) to microservices, combining their principles. Network virtualization enables the application of SBA in cellular systems. To better guide the software design of this virtualized cellular system with SBA, this paper presents a software perspective and a positional approach to using fundamental development principles for adapting SBA in virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRANs). First, we present the motivation for using an SBA in cellular radio systems. Then, we explore the critical requirements, key principles, and components for the software to provide radio services in SBA. We also explore the potential of applying SBA-based Radio Access Network (RAN) by comparing the functional split requirements of 5G RAN with existing open-source software and accelerated hardware implementations of service bus, and discuss the limitations of SBA. Finally, we present some discussions, future directions, and a roadmap of applying such a high-level design perspective of SBA to next-generation RAN infrastructure.

Highlights

The concept of Service Based Architecture (SBA) in cellular networks is mainly used in 5G core networks, where its features have been incorporated into the 5G core (e.g., via a set of interconnected Network Functions (NFs) thanks to the role of Network Repository Function (NRF) and Network Exposure Function (NEF)) [1]
SBA in 5G core networks involves the transition from traditional telecommunication style protocol interfaces to Service Bus Interfaces (SBIs) where NFs communicate with Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Version 2 via web-based Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
We provide a clear definition of the concept of SBA, its general description and components, and discuss the state-of-the-art technologies that can be used for cellular Radio Access Network (RAN)

Summary

Introduction

The concept of Service Based Architecture (SBA) in cellular networks is mainly used in 5G core networks, where its features have been incorporated into the 5G core (e.g., via a set of interconnected Network Functions (NFs) thanks to the role of Network Repository Function (NRF) and Network Exposure Function (NEF)) [1]. In the SBA-based vRAN architecture, all components of RAN are compatible with the microservice architecture, exposes a set of software functionalities (applied to the signaling context) and are fully softwarizable allowing the use of a number of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) that support other functions in the architecture through the producer/consumer model.

Results

Conclusion