![Page 1: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
2016 ASOCS Ltd. Confidential
Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV and MEC at the Edge!Eran Bello, CMOThe 2nd Academia and Industry Research Event: Challenges in Network Functions Virtualization
March 3rd, 2016
![Page 2: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2 Confidential
The Cellular Carriers Customers …are expanding into new verticals and use cases!
![Page 3: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3 Confidential
New Requirements introduce New RAN ChallengesThe significance of a virtualized PHY/L1
![Page 4: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
4 Confidential
RAN Virtualization: Decoupling Hardware and Software Every layer, all functions
![Page 5: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5 Confidential
Traditional dRAN: Distributed RAN
Backhaul TransportEPC to Baseband
SAME Appliances:
• Non-agile
• High CAPEX
Centralization:
• Improved scalability
• Improved OPEX
Distributed Base Station Baseband and RRH at Cell sites
Fronthaul Transport Baseband to RRH CPRIover Fiber
EPC
![Page 6: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6 Confidential
Virtual EPC and Gi-LAN: One Platform, One MANO, All Network Functions
EPC
ETSI NFV Framework
* www.opnfv.org/software/technical-overview
EPC and Gi-LAN Virtualization Require
• Virtualization of many to all functions
• Competing vendor interoperability
• Problematic business case for virtual appliances
• One Infrastructure and MANO Platform for all
• Long evaluation process to choose the right one
• Challenge to switch to a different solution
![Page 7: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7 Confidential
Moving to cRAN: Centralized RAN with ‘Base Station Hoteling’
SAME Appliances:
• Non-agile
• High CAPEX
Centralization:
• Improved scalability
• Improved OPEX
EPC
Backhaul Transport
Fronthaul Transport Baseband to RRH: CPRI over Fiber Centralized
Base Station Baseband inLocal/central office
The Centralization of Base Station Baseband
![Page 8: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8 Confidential
RAN Virtualization: Starting with the End-Goal in Mind!
Air-interface agnostic
IT Type Gear
Centralization and Virtualization
Max agility
Max scalability
Low CAPEX
Low OPEXBackhaul Transport
Fronthaul Transport Baseband to RRH: CPRI over Fiber
Virtualized Baseband Pool
EPC
Complete RAN Virtualization: From Campus to Mega-scale
![Page 9: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
9 Confidential
Metro-vRAN: Overcoming Today and Tomorrow’s Fronthaul Challenges
Backhaul Transport
Fronthaul Transport Baseband to RRH: CPRI over Fiber
EPC
The end of the cell Moving to virtual cells
Virtualized Baseband Pool
Virtualized Baseband Pool
Air-interface agnostic
IT Type Gear
Centralization and Virtualization
Max agility
Max scalability
Low CAPEX
Low OPEX
![Page 10: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10 Confidential
Mini-vRAN: Virtualizing In-Building/Campus Radio Access Networks
Backhaul Transport
EPC
Moving to Distributed Radio Antenna System (DRAS)
Virtualized Baseband PoolVirtualized
Baseband Pool
Neutral Host, wide Band
IT Type Gear
Air-interface agnostic
Centralization and Virtualization
Max agility
Max scalability
Low CAPEX
Low OPEX
Fronthaul Transport Baseband to RRH: CPRI over Fiber
![Page 11: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
11 Confidential
Realizing NFV and MEC at the Network Edge: One Island at a Time!
Direct interface between vBS and digital Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
Deploying vBS at the edge enables other NFV VNF to migrate from core to premise
(vEPC, vIMS, vCDN, vSecurity, vMonitoring, etc)
vCDNvBSvEPC vSEC
![Page 12: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12 Confidential
Fully Virtualized RAN at the In-Building/Campus Network Edge
• All software layers are running in VMs on Intel® Xeon Processors in NFV architecture
• L1 VM is accelerated via a Modem Processing Unit (MPU) Hardware Acceleration (HWA)
• Digital interface between virtual Base Station (vBS) and digital DAS
![Page 13: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13 Confidential
ASOCS L1 HWA: Hardware Accelerator Connectivity
• Server Attached HWA Topology
• HWA is plugged into the server PCIe slot over PCIe bus
• Dedicated resource serving a specific server
• Network Attached HWA Architecture
• HWA is connected to the server through ETH interface
• Shared resource serving a cluster of standard servers
CPRI/ETHRRU
L1 ACC
vNFC
vNFC
VM on x86
L1
vNFC
VFs on HWA VMs on CPU
PCIe
ETH
![Page 14: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14 Confidential
Network Attached HWA in SDN Network
• Shared resource serving a cluster of standard servers
• Leverage SDN to set priority and latency requirements
10/40/100Gbps
vRAN Front-haul Switchwith L1 ACC
Rack 1
L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1CPRI to ETH
None Blocking Switch
CPRI/ETH
10/40/100Gbps
vRAN Front-haul Switchwith L1 ACC
Rack n
L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1CPRI to ETH
None Blocking Switch
CPRI/ETH
10x10Gbps 10x10Gbps
10x10Gbps 10x10Gbps
Fat-tree SDN Switch Network
ToR
Aggregation
RRU
VM VM
L1
L1L1
L2/L3L2/L3L2/L3
VFs on HWA
VM VM
RRU
VFs on HWA
L1L1L1L2/L3
L2/L3L2/L3
![Page 15: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15 Confidential
ETSI ISG NFV Compute Domain: Disaggregation Model
• Definition: CPU blades / chassis are separated from the NIC / Accelerator blades / chassis and Storage blades / chassis
• Sharing accelerator resources across many computing blades
• Providing improved amortization of traditionally expensive components
• Resource can be upgraded or scaled independently
• Increases lifespan for each resource
• Enables IT managers to replace specific resource
• Thermal efficiency opportunities
• Allowing more optimal component placement within a rack
![Page 16: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16 Confidential
L1/PHY Virtualization via Network Attached Hardware Acceleration (HWA)
• Ability to aggregate and disaggregate resources on the fly and on demand based on needs/scenario at the PHY level!
• vBS Compute and HWA resources orchestrated through NFV MANO system
• VMs and PEs are allocated per vBS needs
• Independent Virtual MPUs
• Total Isolation of each vBS to otherFEC PEs
Host Interface
Memory Bank
CPRI IF CPRI IF
vBS0
Host Interface
L1 Control
L2
L3
FAPI
FAPI
MPL Driver
VM
VM
VM
vBSN-1
Host Interface
L1 Control
L2
L3
FAPI
FAPI
MPL Driver
VM
VM
VM
vBSn
Host Interface
L1 Control
L2
L3
FAPI
FAPI
MPL Driver
VM
VM
VM
i/Q
CPRI IF
i/Qi/Q
Re-Arrange FFT PEs DFT PEs Arithmetic PEs Logic PEs
vBS0vBSN-1 vBSn
MPU
![Page 17: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
17 Confidential
Modem Processing Unit: The “Bottom of Rack” Hardware Acceleration Device
The Ability to create vBS per need “detached” from resource limitations creates degrees of freedom to address:
1. Resource Pooling Gain2. Enhanced Performance3. Frontal Range/Latency4. Guaranteed Upgradability
![Page 18: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18 Confidential
RAN Virtualization: Latency Challenges
• Requires meeting an end to end latency: Worst case matter!
• Every 5u sec means 1Km transport: Distance matter!
• Transforming IT to deterministic, high performance, low latency machine made possible!
![Page 19: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
19 Confidential
Utilizing SR-IOV and DPDK to enable Real-time on COTS (ROC)
• Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) is a set of data plane libraries and network interface controller drivers for fast packet processing
• SR-IOV allows a device, such as a network adapter, to separate access to its resources among various PCIe hardware functions
• “Performance for SR-IOV in VM nearly identical to bare-metal performance in host OS”
* HP @ DPDK Summit, August 2015
![Page 20: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
20 Confidential
RAN Virtualization: Enhanced Spectrum Efficiency in addition to all NFV Benefits!
• CoMP: Coordinated Multi-Point transmission/reception
• Improves coverage, cell-edge throughput and spectral efficiency
• Enables ~30% increase in spectrum efficiency
• Requires high throughput, low latency mesh network
• Virtual RAN is a native platform for CoMP
Select U.S. Spectrum Valuation Precedents ($ / MHz-POP) Cell-Average Spectral Efficiency
CMRI C-RAN WP v3.0
![Page 21: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21 Confidential
The Benefits of a Fully virtualized RANFrom 4G to 5G and beyond…
One platform fits all
Resource pooling gain
Enhanced performance
Future proof network
![Page 22: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
22 Confidential
Virtual RAN at the Metro & EdgeRealizing NFV at Scale!
Complete RAN Virtualization: Every Layer, all functions, any RRU
![Page 23: Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize NFV ...tce.webee.eedev.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/04/... · Overcoming RAN Virtualization Challenges to Realize](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022051320/5abb7ebc7f8b9a24028cb52c/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
www.asocsnetworks.com
Thank You!