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Integrating base stations with a software defined core network
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Sähkötekniikan korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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S3019
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en
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48+4
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Abstract
An unprecedented increase is expected in the demand for mobile data traffic, which requires significant changes in the access network. On the one hand, the penetration of new technologies and networks such as Internet of Things (IoT) introduces a large amount of additional traffic of different kinds. On the other hand, the cell size will be reduced, which results in a higher number of base stations that need to be deployed, requiring additional investments by operators.
This thesis proposes the integration of base stations with a software-defined core network as a way to make the access network more cost-effective, scalable and flexible. Virtualisation technologies allow the possibility of deploying network nodes using generic, off-the-shelf IT hardware, therefore reducing costs thanks to the application of economies of scale. This thesis implements a virtualised solution for LTE network’s access node, eNodeB. It will be shown that virtualisation also presents additional benefits in terms of network orchestration and scalability. The result of the thesis can initially be used as a part of a simulated end to end SDN controlled mobile network, allowing the modification of user plane protocol stack. It can be later integrated with a software defined radio component and used with radioheads to form full SDN style base stations e.g. for a 5G test network.