Connecting Remote eNodeB with Containerized 5G C-RANs in OpenStack Cloud

Abstract

Cloud-Radio Access Networks are one of the main enablers for driving the 5G technology. They allow creation and utilization of core network components in a precise flexible manner that implies of the possibility for resource redistribution across different geographical regions, with reduced operator costs. With virtualization and frontend RF functionality splitting, the key processing migrates to the cloud, which opens a wide palette of facets for determining manifold layers of security and operability for the overall 5G access. Due to the familiarity with the specific concerns of IoT devices’ vulnerability and security apprehensions, we provide an initial testbed for mitigating the lower-layer problems, which entails establishment of a specific network function that communicates with the OpenStack Neutron and integrates with the Keystone service. Furthermore, we introduce an approach for federating the Keystone service with OpenID Connect, enabling access to different network slices at the backhaul 5G network.