5G Infrastructure
EURECOM (France)
Use case: Live audio production
OpenAirInterface (OAI) is the only 100% open source project that provides 3GPP compliant reference implementations of eNodeB (eNB), UE and EPC, together with the first fully working 3GPP Rel-15 compliant versions of the 5G NR, gNB and 5GC, that run on general purpose computing platforms (x86) in conjunction with off-the-shelf SDR cards like the ETTUS USRP, Lime SDR and ExpressMIMO2. Open source software running on general purpose processors can greatly simplify network access, reduce costs, increase flexibility, improve innovation speed and accelerate time-to-market for introduction of new services. EURECOM’s infrastructure will be updated along the project with specific 5G components brought from key partners to execute the trials related to this use case.
Ericsson (Germany)
Use case: Multiple camera wireless studio
The lab version of the 5G infrastructure is located within the Ericsson R&D centre in Aachen. The Ericsson Engagement Lab in Aachen is setting up and maintaining multiple different 5G system trials within Europe and is providing access to a lab based 5G system. The network nodes are frequently upgraded with the latest pre-commercial software so that the system is operating close to the latest 3GPP specifications. During the early phases of the project, the 5G lab infrastructure follows the so-called E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) principle which is realized in the Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) architecture, using the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) as core network. Here, the 5G UE uses always an LTE based anchor cell and the 5G NR link is added as connectivity leg. Later during the project, the system architecture will be upgraded to a 5G Core, following the Stand-Alone (SA) architecture.
For the trial systems, Ericsson targets the re-use of existing trial systems with appropriate coverage (outdoor) and to modify on a need bases the 5G network feature configuration. The preferred trial system is the 5G Industry Campus Europe (ICE) trial system, which is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI). Ericsson is selected as private 5G networks supplier and Ericsson Aachen is providing support for the system configurations and system operations. The ICE network follows the same 5G infrastructure principle as the lab 5G infrastructure. The alternative trial system is the 5TONIC system in Madrid, which is identified as alternative trial installation. The 5TONIC infrastructure is provided by Ericsson and it is possible to modify the feature configuration (e.g. QoS) according to the use-case needs.
Nokia (Spain)
Use case: live immersive video production
Nokia provides an end-to-end 5G infrastructure solution for fully integrating edge resources and combining different network slices, including sensors with different capabilities, for completely satisfying the service requirements. The edge computing federation concept that will be developed in the context of the project, will allow services to share network slices or part of them in an efficient and reliable manner. The implemented Content Production Delivery Network (CPDN) will be supported by the 5G Network and will be able to deliver the required quality by the most efficient slice in order to meet the service level required by the different actors. Origins for this new CPDN supported by the 5G network will ingest and redistribute the FVV videos.
Components
5G microphones and In-Ear-Monitoring (IEM) systems (Sennheiser)
Together with EURECOM, Sennheiser will provide a 5G-capable audio platform, which can be integrated into the 5G facility. By connecting with the audio platform, a UE can act as a wireless microphone or an IEM. In addition, it can be used for testing and debugging purposes. By connecting with the base station, the possibility for optimizing the latency by placing audio processing functionality, such as audio mixing, close to the base station will be shown. Furthermore, Sennheiser will connect its audio platform with RED Technologies’ SAS to demonstrate an automatic setup of an NPN, which provides a wireless audio production network.
Spectrum sharing management technologies (RED Technologies)
This SME will integrate its core technology component that combine key dynamic spectrum access and spectrum leasing features. 5G-RECORDS is pushing one step further with new development such as on-demand authorizations for LSA licensees and spectrum leasing transaction using embedded collaborative workflows.
Compact and customized 5G modem for professional video cameras (Fivecomm)
The 5G modem is a compact and flexible solution that provides 5G wireless connectivity to professional video cameras. It is connected via Ethernet to the camera video encoder, and to the 5G network via its integrated or external (MIMO 4x4) antennas. It supports both 5G NSA and SA configurations in mid and low bands. The 5G modem offers low power consumption, light weight, small form factor, high performance, and ultra-low latency, also fitting other types of verticals.
Compact 5G Core (Cumucore)
Cumucore will integrate some of the current products that are separate components such as an edge computing orchestrator, network slice manager and SDN controller into a new combined module and plug it into the whole 5G ecosystem. Cumucore intends to strengthen its role as provider of micro-mobile packet core, targeted for private networks. 5G-RECORDS will help Cumucore to extend its current expertise on SDN networking and mobile core into the radio interface and cooperate with other partners to deliver end-to-end system.
Dynamic Profile Controller (Cumucore)
The DPC platform, the world’s first commercially available of its kind, will deliver a unique dynamic network slicing solution. The platform provides tools needed to create, manage and update network slices and network slice instances, as well as the tools needed by end users to request dedicated connections from network. Connections can be also reserved prior event. DPC helps MNOs to bring in new and differentiating use cases into their existing networks driving increased revenues. MNOs can generate new revenues from mission critical services based on QoS assured network slices. Network connections requested through DPC can be also measured, so that based on measurement results the network settings for requesting application can be changed to meet promised SLA.
dRAX platform (Accelleran)
Accelleran first developed their dRAX platform, aligned to O-RAN, in the 5G-City project and is further developing in 5G-CLARITY and 5G-COMPLETE RIA projects. In the 5G-RECORDS project, Accelleran will progress the capabilities towards Rel-17 but specifically enhance the TRL for commercial exploitation, running on the UC1 platform and integrating with the edge compute platform of Telefonica, as well as integrating with the EURECOM OAI software stack and Cumucore core. Additionally, Accelleran currently sells 4G eNBs for the US CBRS network. Accelleran will evolve this capability towards the RED Technologies eLSA.
5G-enabled cellular bonding (LiveU)
LiveU will provide its new 5G-enabled HEVC video-transmission devices. Equipped with real time HEVC H.265 encoder coupled by its software to the momentary capabilities of each of the communications links being used, transmitting over any IP link in UC2 over the 5G single modem/CPE, over bonded multiple modems to provide reliability, over single or multiple 5G links from the NPN and/or the public 5G networks, etc. Moreover, these devices can transmit multiple cameras simultaneously, at lower resolution. LiveU will also provide its bonding video server with its multiple streaming options (e.g. SMPTE 2110, physical SDI/HDMI, etc.). Also it is LU-Central to control the devices and output selections at the server side, capability for IFB and return video over the bonded links in the DL, IP-based control channel for remote control of the cameras. Image
OAK module (Image Matters)
The OAK module in development from Image Matters is a FPGA based interface from 8K sensors to 5G or other networks. The total solution includes a software defined radio (SDR). The validation during the 5G test beds will enable IM to provides the module to camera manufacturer.
Edge computing platform (Telefonica)
Telefonica will provide their edge computing platform deployed in 5G-MEDIA. This platform will support different Media VNFs at the edge of a 5G network, within a central office. In 5G-RECORDS, the edge computing capabilities will be further developed and integrated into Nokia’s end-to-end infrastructure for the realisation of use case 3.
Free Viewpoint Video (UPM)
The FVV system includes capturing, 5G contribution, virtual view synthesis on an edge server, 5G delivery and visualization on users’ terminals. The system will generate in real-time a synthesized video stream from a free-moving virtual position. FVV generates synthetic views of a 3D scene from a virtual viewpoint chosen by the user by combining the video information from several real reference cameras. It will be possible to reproduce content both live and offline (replay) of free-viewpoint trajectories around a scenario. The content can then be distributed not only to people attending the event (local delivery), but also to third parties. Each user can access a specific selected angle live, since all possible angles are available at any time.
