Performance Analysis of Cloud Radio Access Network

Abstract

The mobile traffic is exploding due to an increase in number and type of devices; and complexity of services. There is also rising of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX) while the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is falling. This is a big challenge for mobile operators and equipment vendors. Maximizing capacity, improving quality of service and reversing the falling ARPU is required and this couldn t be achieved with the traditional RAN architecture. As a result, advancements in RAN architecture, data transport solution and transport protocol for the fronthaul have been done.

In this thesis work different RAN architectures, C-RAN functional split options between BBU and RRH, data transport solutions and interface protocols for the fronthaul have been surveyed. Then, performance test has been done on a simple C-RAN implementation containing an open source core network, BBU and RRH with emulated User Equipment (UE) all from OAI. The implementation has been done with PHY-RF split between the BBU and RRH, which have been connected over Ethernet through Ethernet switch. Finally, analysis of measurement results, and comparison with theoretical results found from literature has been done.

The performance test measurement results showed that a fully centralized C-RAN implementation with Ethernet as a fronthaul protocol cloud meet strict timing requirements of the fronthaul in terms of packet delay and jitter. Packets are observed arriving successfully before the delay deadline with a tolerable loss, but further work is required to improve the throughput and increase the separation distance between BBU and RRH.