dc.description.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. | |