White Papers

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16 | Whitepaper – Exploring Computing Platforms for Radio Access
Networks
Figure 18: 5G Network Architecture Using Edge Services.
Edge computing benefits users when the time delay of transporting packets is significant. When
compute functionality is placed closer to the edge, there is significant reduction in latency. A
point worth noting is as the transport latency is reduced, there will be more attention on the
remaining compute latency since it may provide the lower limit on the achievable gains. In
addition to improving latency the Edge Cloud user encounters, a reduction in network traffic will
be achieved, which will also reduce the opportunities for dropped packets and will improve the
overall customer QoE.
4.5 5G Network Slicing Example
With the flexibility and scalability of this network architecture, along with the application of SDN
(software defined networking) principles, the concept of Network Slicing can be introduced. A
slice is defined as a logical arrangement of network functions needed to address a specific
service. Figure 19 shows how three distinct services (mMTC, uR-LLC and eMBB) can be
accommodated by utilizing network functions in different sections of the network. A software-
based network allows for the reallocation and collocation of functions. The mMTC devices
(Smart Cites, Health Monitoring, etc.) are not expected to require low latency services, so their
transactions can be serviced by either the CN or application located in the PDN. The eMBB
devices (AR/VR, Enhanced Video, etc.) are expected to require lower latency than the present
4G networks will allow, so it is reasonable to have their transactions addressed within the Edge
Cloud. Lastly, the uR-LLC devices (Autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, etc.) are
expected to require very low latency services, so their transactions should be addressed by the
CU and Edge Cloud. These three services are highlighted in Figure 19 by their respective
dashed lines. Also shown are the relevant network functions at the specific locations. The
previous sections have provided the background information needed to support the overall 5G
network flexibility.
PHY
MAC
RLC
PDCP
SDAP
RF
MIMO
(BF)
RRH (AAS)
DFE,
ET,
DPD
DAC
/
ADC
AMF
UPF
SMF
UDM/PCF
gNB
5G CN
BBU
N6
N2
N3
N4
N11
...
FH
BH
Etc.
MEC
Edge Site
UPF
N6
MEC
N9