5G ESSENCE: 5G Edge network acceleration for stadium

5G ESSENCE (Embedded Network Services for 5G Experiences) has focused on fully enabling cloud-integrated multi-tenant small cell networking: Using centralised small cell functions as scale grows through an edge cloud environment based on a two-tier architecture. A distributed tier offers low latency services. A second centralised tier is used for providing high processing power for computing-intensive network applications. This allows decoupling the control and user planes of the Radio Access Network (RAN) and achieving the benefits of Cloud-RAN without the enormous fronthaul latency restrictions.

End-to-end network slicing mechanisms allows the sharing of the 5G ESSENCE infrastructure across multiple operators/industry verticals, customising its capabilities on a per-tenant basis. The versatility of the architecture is enhanced by high-performance virtualisation techniques for data isolation, latency reduction and resource efficiency, and by orchestrating lightweight virtual resources enabling efficient Virtualised Network Function placement and live migration.

Keywords: edge computing, small cell as a service, Cloud-RAN, embedded network services, evolved Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Services (eMBMS) 

About the Demonstration

The demonstration of the use case on 5G edge network acceleration with local video production and distribution took place in October 2019 at the Stavros Mavrothalasitis stadium in Egaleo-Athens, which is owned by the local municipality. 

The aim was to demonstrate a combined 5G-based video production and video distribution towards delivering benefits to both media producers and mobile operators, by offering an enriched event experience to their subscribers. The production/distribution of locally generated content through the 5G ESSENCE platform, coupled with value-added services and rich user context, will enable secure, high-quality and resilient transmission, in real-time and with minimal latency.

360° cameras were used throughout the 90-minute football match to broadcast the event via evolved Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Services (eMBMS) enabled user equipment (UE).  

Local and Greek Governmental Authorities were on hand to try out a new in-stadium experience and discuss future opportunities for 5G deployments. 

In terms of 5G functionalities, the use case focuses on:

• Low latency.
• Increased backhaul capacity.

Location: Egaleo (Greece)

Date: October 2019

Vertical Partners involved: Smart Mobile Labs GmbH

Also involved: Athonet S.R.L., Italtel SpA, National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”

Other Partners: OTE - Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (Coordinator), ATOS Spain S.A., Athonet S.R.L., British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), Catalonia University of Technology, Casa Communications Technology SLU, CyberLens Ltd, Eight Bells Ltd., Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Fundacio i2CAT, INTEL R&D Ireland Ltd., IS-WIRELESS, Italtel SpA, Municipality of Egaleo, NEC Europe Ltd., Orion Innovations, Thales Communications & Security SAS, Universidad del Pais Vasco/ Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, WIND TRE S.p.A., Zodiac Inflight Innovations

5G ESSENCE Website | @5GPPP_5GESSENCE