JultikaUniversity of Oulu repository

Abstract

Ultra low latency, increased reliability, massive network capacity, and perpetual availability are what make the 5G not just a network evolution, but a paradigm shift. Nowadays, multiple-input multiple-output, beamforming, wide bandwidth, and multi-carrier aggregation are the key enablers of the next generation of radio access technology (RAN). One of its integral part names, Base Station (BS), maintains the communication between the Network and the mobile users. The BS consists of two major elements. First, the Radio Unit transceiver module which is responsible for radio frequency processing of transmitted and received signals. Second, the Baseband unit which is charged with the digital processing of transmitted and received signals. The interface linker between these two functional blocks is called The fronthaul. To bring more agility on the Network, ORAN alliance introduces an openness concept stretched out to create an open fronthaul based on the eCPRI Protocol. Hence, the antenna data needs to be carried over longer distances introducing strict throughput latency, jitter sends, timing, and synchronization requirements. The main goal of this thesis is to guarantee the proper reception of data over the eCPRI interface, and to ensure that the RF product fulfills the ORAN requirement from a timing point of view. To achieve this target, a study process has been followed. The first phase focuses on studying the main 3 components of the environment represented by BBU 5GNR and eCPRI protocol. In the second phase, the research goes deep in the Radio module and eCPRI protocol delay management and timing, based on the ORAN specification. Finally, we define an algorithm branched out to Test Cases that can validate the 5G Radio module from Timing point of view, once they are all passed. The Test algorithm has been designed also to detect any excess in timing requirement defined by the ORAN Alliance specification. By arranging a good test plan, the algorithm has proven its high efficiency for 5GNR examination from Timing perspective.