Private 5G Networks for Mission Critical Communications

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of telecommunications, private 5G tactical wireless networks are emerging as a transformative force, particularly in the realm of mission-critical communications. These networks, designed with robustness and reliability to withstand challenging environments, are poised to revolutionize how critical information is exchanged in high-stakes situations.

5G wireless technology, with its high-speed data transmission, low latency, and ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously, offers unprecedented opportunities for enhancing tactical communications. From military operations and emergency response to disaster management and public safety, 5G tactical networks are set to play a pivotal role.

This new generation of wireless technology goes beyond providing faster speeds. It brings about a paradigm shift in network architecture, offering enhanced security, resilience, reduced footprint, adaptation to environmentally challenged environments and interoperability. These features are crucial for mission-critical communications, where the stakes are high, and failure is not an option.

This article describes how 5G technology can be deployed to provide highly secure, private 5G tactical networks for Mission Critical Communication, and some of the technologies that enable this deployment.

Open RAN and the disaggregation of the Base Station

In the past, Baseband Units (BBUs) at the base of radio towers were monolithic functions based on proprietary equipment. The ORAN (Open RAN) concept disaggregates them into scalable, interoperable, cost-effective functions based on open interfaces and available from multiple suppliers. In addition, software-based RAN, also called vRAN for Virtualized Radio Access Network, allows to run them on general purpose computers. This concept is known as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV).

ORAN components

As shown on the figure above, 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) release 15 defines the disaggregated logical entities as:

-          CU: Centralized Unit.

-          DU: Distributed Unit.

-          RU: Remote Radio Unit

Split options 7.2x and 2 define the interfaces between all components. Once grouped, components form the gNB (Next generation Node B), the 5G “base station”.

Low-latency, high priority communications

Compared to 4G/LTE, a key improvement of 5G is its capacity to ‘slice’ a physical network into several virtual networks, with the possibility to assign dynamic priorities, resources, or specific Quality of Service (QoS) parameters to each network.

Additionally, its URLLC technology – for ultra-reliable low latency communications – allows end-to-end latency lower than 1ms and reliability of more than 99.999 %.

For example, a private 5G network deployed in a military post, could in normal operation mode allows high-resolution video calls to be placed, but during an enemy attack, absolute priority and minimum latency would be granted to real-time communication with defensive weapon systems.

What is a private 5G network?

Most people are familiar with public 4G/LTE or 5G networks, as provided by commercial operators like AT&T, T-Mobile, Orange, etc. An independent, private 5G network will offer the same functionalities, but will cover only specific buildings or terrain zones, and will be entirely managed by the user organization. It may or may not be connected to the public Internet. Because it is privately managed, a private network can provide the levels of robustness, flexibility and security required in Mission Critical Communication.

Like on a public network, authorized 5G User Equipment (UE), such as smartphones, tables, or IoT sensors, will be registered on the network via SIM cards or eSIMs provided by the private operator.

One can compare a private 5G network to a bubble, inside which 5G communications are enabled for all authorized users, and that can geographically move as gNB stations and the 5Gcore processing units move.

Wireless access backhaul

Wireless access backhaul refers to the method of connecting the network infrastructure of a wireless communication system using a wireless connection instead of a wired connection. Base stations are connected to the core network wirelessly, usually using radio, or satellite communication (SATCOM) technologies.

Wireless access backhaul can be useful in situations where laying physical cables is difficult, costly, or impractical, such as in rural or remote areas. It can also provide a temporary solution in disaster or emergency situations, military theaters of operations where wired connections may be unavailable.

A fully standalone 5G network will have no wired or wireless access backhaul at all, and still will provide all the functions of a public network.

Small-footprint private 5G network

The figure below shows a small-footprint, integrated, cost-effective, ruggedized 5G gNB node running on a general-purpose server, like implemented on the Trenton System IES.5G product. It comprises 3 hardware elements, an outdoor Radio Unit, a rugged server and a GNSS satellite antenna. Here, the RU connects to the server through a 25gbs fiber interface, the antenna provides source for the PTP grandmaster clock. An Intel E810 NIC card installed in the server allows direct connection to the server from the GNSS antenna or from a PTP clock source, as well as high speed connection to the RU and the private, local or public network.

The server runs DU and CU functions, as well as 5G core functions. For that purpose, it will integrate software packages from suppliers like GCX (GXC Onyx) and Intel (FlexRAN).

Because of the relatively small footprint of the software functions above, the server can take benefit of its multi-core architecture and expansion capabilities, to run in parallel general purpose user functions such as database and storage, local cloud, encryption/decryption, signal processing and routing to other links such as SATCOM.

The architecture is inherently scalable and modular and can easily extend and adapt to changing environments:

-          Additional RUs, indoor or outdoor, meshed or not, via fronthaul switches

-          High power RUs for extended coverage

-          Different 5G frequency bands, aligned with international regulations

-          Additional processing or storage capabilities

-          GPU cards for AI/ML/DL or signal processing

-          5G Hardware accelerators

-          Redundant operation and additional nodes

-          Zscaler Zero-trust cybersecurity platform to provide robust security capabilities

Used in mobility, this architecture largely reduces physical footprint, as well as Electro-Magnetic presence, which shows very valuable for militaries. The entire system is easily transportable in a transit case or on a ground vehicle.

Intel’s contribution to 5G networks

I’d like to highlight the many Intel software and hardware products that support vRAN integration and scalability and that are or can be integrated in the example above:

- Software stack:

o  FlexRAN (see https://www.trentonsystems.com/en-us/resource-hub/blog/what-is-intel-flexran)

- PCIe cards:

o   E810 PCIe Network Interface Controller card with auxiliary PTP, GNNS inputs

o   ACC100 forward error correction (FEC) accelerator

-  Processor instructions:

o   AVX-512 SIMD instructions for vector processing, vRAN level 1

o   vRAN Boost instructions in Xeon SP Gen 4 processors

o   QAT crypto accelerator in Xeon SP Gen 4/5 processors or as a separate hardware accelerator

Private 5G networks in military environments

The figure below shows an example deployment of multiple 5G “bubbles” in a military environment, and the connection of all network objects via 5G, SATCOM backhaul or legacy radio links.

A typical implementation of a private 5G network in a military Mobile Command Post could be made of:

-          2 network access points (RU) configured for redundant operation and connected to the server

-          Rugged Server on a vehicle or on the ground in a transit case

-          SATCOM connection for wireless access backhaul

-          UAVs flying over scene and possibly providing aerial signal relay

-          Mesh networking (5G relays on ground or on aerial relays) for the connection of multiple, remote, moving vehicles or soldiers

-          The IEEE 1588 PTP source can be GNSS satellites, or a local Cesium-based high precision clock if utilizing satellites represents a security issue.

-          User Equipment includes smartphones, tablets, 5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) devices, as well as 5G-enabled Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) or cameras

Final thoughts

The advent of modern 5G communication, particularly when implemented in private 5G networks, has opened up a world of possibilities. It has become a game-changer in the realm of digital communication, offering high-speed, low-latency, cost-effective, and secure communication solutions. This is particularly beneficial for mission-critical applications where reliability, speed, and security are paramount. The transformative potential of private 5G networks is immense, and as its technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to revolutionize the way we communicate, work, and live.