Performance Evaluation of a Virtualized 5G Core Network in Indoor Environments

Abstract

Network function virtualization (NFV) is one of key features envisioned for the upcoming 5G core networks in order to support high flexibility in network deployment and management. However, potential performance degradations that could be caused by virtualization of network functions is still a controversial issue, especially in regards to virtualization of core network components. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of NFV on an end-to-end mobile network testbed, which is deployed in the 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC) in University of Surrey. The testbed consists of indoor and outdoor LTE Radio Access Networks (RAN) equipment, as well as an enhanced Evolved Packet Core (EPC) following LTE Release 14 specifications, such as control and user plane separation (CUPS). The paper compares the performance of the softwarised core network and that of its virtualized counterpart. Measurement results show that the virtualized core network has adequately similar network performance in terms of throughput and latency, compared with the non-virtual core.