Design and Development of Laboratory Infrastructure for 5G LAN Network Environments
Cruz, Diogo Emanuel Ribeiro
MSc Thesis · 2023 · University of Coimbra
Supervisors: Tiago José dos Santos Martins da Cruz, Vasco Nuno Sousa Simões Pereira
Abstract
With the advent of 5G technology, a range of application scenarios and use cases emerges, facilitated by its specific characteristics. Research in this domain is a priority to understand and fully exploit the possibilities offered by the ecosystem and associated services. However, gaining access to production infrastructures and real-world scenarios is complex, as they are considered essential services foe which availability is a priority, being typically managed by telecommunications operators. Similarly, establishing a 5G network with the corresponding radio infrastructure for laboratory purposes requires licenses and spectrum usage authorizations, often slow and challenging to obtain.Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to conceive and implement a high-fidelity 5G test environment for 5G Local Area Networks (LANs) use cases, providing the key elements for an Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem over 5G. The goal is to create a hybrid laboratory environment, comprising a combination of real, emulated, or virtualized components, facilitating Research and Development (R\D) activities focused on exploring use cases, integrating components, and managing infrastructure. This environment has undergone an experimental validation process to assess its functional characteristics and performance, which has confirmed its capabilities for the intended purposes. The validation effort has also helped identify strategic action points for future development and improvement activities.