CAPGEMINI ENGINEERING

5G SOLUTIONS
FOR NEXT-GENERATION
CARRIER NETWORKS
Introduction 5G ADVANCEMENTS CAN BE DIVIDED
INTO TWO CATEGORIES:

2G brought mobile voice. 3G enabled widespread data 1. Application-Centric Performance The sub-6 GHz band is best matched for mobility since it has
services. 4G delivered high-bandwidth applications to better penetration. The millimeter-wave bands work best for
smartphones. But 5G is a game changer. It’s an application a. Network slicing enables higher capacity higher-capacity outdoor applications, such as fixed wireless
enabler that allows a dramatically larger number and type and supports applications at the edge of connections. Millimeter solutions are not a good match
of endpoints to connect—in particular, Internet of Things the network via multi-access compute for indoor solutions due to issues with wall penetration.
(IoT) devices—to create business value. To use resources
optimally and effectively, network scaling and network b. The C-RAN solution moves compute to the 3GPP released the non-standalone specifications for 5G in
slicing are required. With 5G, applications can now take edge enabling low-latency applications December 2017 and the standalone specifications in June
full advantage of ultra-low latency connectivity to provide 2018. Capgemini Engineering has successful field-proven
high-bandwidth, high-performance services to end users. 2. Network Agility solutions for both specifications for access as well as for
the 4G core network. We have leveraged these to create
There are several applications in industrial, medical and a. Improves management and efficiency of network solutions for both 5G access and 5G core. For 5G access, the
consumer vertical markets that are being widely deployed infrastructure and platform components 5G new radio (NR) non-standalone is the initial target along
within enterprises and in various mobile environments. with different options of C-RAN. For the core network, the
These include robotics for industrial automation and medical b. Leverages network function virtualization 5G next-generation carrier (NGC) architecture is adapted to
services and virtual reality (VR) for consumers and businesses. (NFV) based architectures, stateless solutions serve a highly scalable solution that can be sliced and used
All of these applications require high bandwidth and low and software-defined networking (SDN) based for multi-access edge computing (MEC) deployments.
latency to provide optimal user experiences. For instance, routing resulting in an agile network that
many vendors are offering high-resolution, low latency VR enables high bandwidth and elastic scaling
devices for security applications. Industrial automation,
sensor arrays and telematics also require high data capacity Capgemini Engineering understands that in the
and many connected devices. 5G-based solutions improve the current scenario, there are multiple views on 5G-band
performance of many complex edge applications. implementation. Some carriers are deploying sub-6 GHz bands
They can enable the next wave of real-time, high-bandwidth such as 2.3 GHz band for 5G rollout, while some are leveraging
applications that require remote management and control millimeter waves such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz.
or real-time synchronization, such as autonomous driving.

2 3
 Altran 5G Solution
Capgemini Altran is a leading provider of LTE/WCDMA RAN and core network solutions that
enable NEMs and CSPs to develop differentiated products in an agile manner. The
Altran 5G solution is developed to help NEMs stay ahead of the technology curve

Engineering and foster innovation.

Figure 1 provides a 5G architectural overview as d by 3GPP. It displays how the

5G Solution legacy 4G network is enhanced to use 4G along with a 5G radio in a non-standalone

mode and then migrated to complete 5G access using a standalone mode.

Capgemini Engineering is a leading provider of LTE/WCDMA

RAN and core network solutions that enable NEMs and CSPs
to develop differentiated products in an agile manner. The
Capgemini Engineering 5G solution is developed to help NEMs
stay ahead of the technology curve and foster innovation.

Figure
Figure11provides a 5G architectural overview as
defined by 3GPP. It displays how the legacy 4G

Accelerate Product 5G Architecture

network is enhanced to use 4G along with a 5G radio
in a non-standalone mode and then migrated to
complete 5G access using a standalone mode.

Development
The Capgemini Engineering 5G Solution was developed is designed to fast-track next-generation deployments
to enable network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) and based on a virtualized, scalable architecture. It can deliver
communications service providers (CSPs) that plan to build multiple services and serve a variety of applications MME HSS
S1-C
their own 5G solutions to fast track their next-generation simultaneously. This leads to optimal use of resources and
product roadmaps. We developed the Capgemini Engineering accelerated lead-times for deployment. Also, services can SGW
SGW
MME PGW
PGW Signaling Path
S1-U SGi
5G Solution so NEMs and CSPs could leverage the solution be offered in a phased approach in different geographies. eNodeB Data Path
for “plain vanilla” deployments while at the same time
providing hooks for adding many “secret-sauce” options to Capgemini Engineering solutions help CSPs deliver high-value
the solution to allow them to create differentiated solutions. services that leverage MEC or are focused, for example, on
IoT, low-latency or V2X solutions efficiently and optimally.
5G deployments vary widely. They can utilize the This allows operators to offer both data connectivity
sub-6 GHz band for mobility or the microwave bands and 5G service to application vendors so the vendors can
MME HSS
for fixed usage outdoors. They can also be used for low monetize both the applications and application usage. S1-C
throughput, such as infrequent data transmitted from SGW
MME PGW
IoT devices, or can be used for very high throughput eNodeB S1-U SGi AMF/ AUSF/
applications such as video surveillance cameras and To be first to market, every CSP must start X2 N2
SMF UDR

streaming audio and video of live events. Of course, preparing their network architecture, transport UPF
N3
one architecture does not fit all applications, which is network, operations environment, spectrum S1-U
5G NR
why Capgemini Engineering created our solution to be and site solutions to transition to 5G.
deployed for a variety of use cases with equal ease.
5G NR

This deployment variability presents a unique opportunity Non-Standalone Model Standalone Model
for NEMs and CSPs. By developing a 5G solution that
enables the implementation of 5G-dependent business Source: Altran
cases, CSPs can deploy new services rapidly and leapfrog Figure 1: 5G Architecture
competitors. The Capgemini Engineering 5G-ready solution Source: Capgemini Engineering

4 5
Capgemini Why Capgemini
Engineering Why Altran?
Engineering?
5G RAN • Available
Available pre-integrated pre-integrated on different platforms
on different
Virtualized &
platforms with different L1 partners Performance Optimized
• with different
Easily L1 partners
customizable

Offering – Key Figure 3

• Virtualized & PerformanceSingleOptimized
• different
Feature rich, scalable solution with support for Source Code
splits Solution Available
& deployments
Software baseline for different spectrum bands, duplex modes &
• Deep expertise
upgradein Access Networks in

Aspects
deployment modes (NSA, SA) allowing incremental feature
• Feature rich, scalable Easily
solution with support
customizable product development and services
for different splits & deployments
Source Code Solution Available
Deep expertise in Access Networks in product development and services
• Single Software baseline for different spectrum
The Capgemini Engineering 4G RAN solution has Layer 2 Figure 2 shows the traditional LTE approach that bands, duplex modes & deployment modes (NSA,
and Layer 3 of eNodeB, which is pre- integrated on existed before C-RAN. Capgemini Engineering SA) allowing incremental feature upgrade
Altran 5G RAN Offering –
hardware offered by various vendors.
Capgemini Engineering also offers professional services
has developed various options for the eNodeB
C-RAN solution, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.
Key Aspects
to create a field-deployable eNodeB for small cells
and macro networks for NEMs. Recently, Capgemini Capgemini Engineering 5G Access Network Software
Smart Packaging – Incremental,
Easier Upgrades
The Altran 4G RAN solution has Layer 2 and Layer 3 of eNodeB, which is pre-
Engineering observed
integratedan industry
on hardware trend
offered to move
by various Framework is a 3GPP 5G NR compliant gNB Solution
a Altran also offers professional
vendors.
part of eNodeBservices
to virtual machines
to create (VMs)eNodeB
a field-deployable or local comprising
for small cells and macro networks for NR Scheduler and RRM along-with NR protocol Error-free merging w/ multiple
NEMs. Recently, Altran observed an industry trend to move a part of eNodeB to levels of regression
datacenters to better utilize the network usage. layers - MAC, RLC, PDCP, eGTPU, F1U, X2U, SDAP, RRC, F1AP,
virtual machines (VMs) or local datacenters to better utilize the network usage.
NGAP, X2AP. gNB Software is available pre-integrated Aligned functionality in CU-DU &
3GPP has devised3GPP multiple
has devisedoptions to split
multiple options thethe
to split 5G5GNR NR for C-RAN solutions,witheach Layer-1 from Capgemini Engineering partners on Intel across deployment / spectrum bands
for C-RAN solutions, each of these has some benefits.
areas, such as cities, and some for less dense areas, such as rural areas. Altran
Xeon and NXP SoC platforms. Capgemini Engineering gNB 5GC -
Some architectures are beneficial
is exploring for highly
most of these solutions see value for carriers in differentsolution supports both NSA, SA modes in sub6 and mmW
as wedense SA
areas, such as cities, and some
deployments utilizingfor
split less dense areas,
architectures. spectrums and can be flexibly deployed in different 3GPP and
EPC - Single SW
such as rural areas. Capgemini Engineering
Altran has various options for eNodeB C-RAN is exploring ORAN specified CU-DU-RU splits for small capacity solution
solutions. A similar architecture NSA Baseline
most of these solutions as webysee
is being suggested 3GPP value
for 5Gfor
NR, carriers
and Altran is as well as for large scale capacity solution. The solution
intransforming its eNodeB
to comply to 5G NR for these architectures. Figure 2 shows the traditional LTE
different deployments utilizing split architectures.
approach that existed before C-RAN. Altran has developed various options for the
supports MIMO and modulation schemes up to 256 QAM
eNodeB C-RAN solution, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. for high throughput solutions. The solution is performance
Capgemini Engineering has various options for eNodeB C-RAN optimized and is currently being trialed by OEMs across Agile Dev w/ CI & Automated
solutions. A similar architecture is being suggested by 3GPP geographies. It comes with NR OAM which can be used to CU, DU Virtualization
Regression
Figure 2
for 5G NR, and Capgemini Engineering is transforming its configure, provision, control and monitor the gNB Software. Capgemini
eNodeB to comply to 5G NR for these architectures.
Cloudified & Engineering Production Diverse spectrum bands, platforms,
MT UP, CP; Optimized Data path Performance
Optimized
5G RAN Quality L1-RRU test infrastructure b/ testing
5G SgNB - Central Unit (CU) 5G SgNB - Central Unit (CU) Framework Research Institute, Platform
5G L3+ 5G L2U 5G L3+ 5G L2U
Integrated BBU, Split BBU Support
SON* NR OAM
SON*
Relay – NGU
Partnerships for
X2-C NR OAM Relay – S1U NG-C
RRM
Master eNB RRM PDCP Relay – X2U GTPU PDCP Relay – XnU GTPU
AMF/UPF
(LTE) L3 (RRC, NGAP, F1AP,
L3 (RRC, X2AP, F1AP) Relay – F1U Relay – F1U
X2-U NG-U XnAP)

OS / BSP / Hypervisor OS / BSP / Hypervisor

Central Unit - Distributed Central Unit - Distributed Feature Rich
S1-AP F1-AP F1-U
S1-U F1-AP Unit Interface (IP) F1-U Xn Unit Interface (IP) w/ Multiple MEC
Platform
Distributed Unit (DU)
EPC Distributed Unit (DU) gNB Support
Distributed Unit (DU) Distributed Unit (DU) MANO
F1-U
NR OAM DU RRM (F1-C) F1-U NR OAM DU RRM (F1-C)
AI/ML
RLC, MAC, SCH RLC, MAC, SCH
SA Mode
Choice of platform as per
NSA Mode Upper Layer-1 Upper Layer-1
deployment use cases intended
RRH / RU RRH / RU
RRH / RU
RRH / RU
Lower-L1, RF
Lower-L1, RF Choice of L1 partners

Choice of Split Options, 5G Use

Altran NR OAM for configuring Altran NR SW Framework Platform/OS Third Party RRH, DU could be
NR OAM
Altran NR Protocol stack Components Components
Cases & Services, Spectrum Band
integrated or separate

Figure 2 Figure 3
Note: Above view is a logical module view of Altran 5G NR Software Components vis-à-vis gNB Solution.
6 7
Note: Above view is a logical module view of Altran 5G NR Software Components vis-à-vis gNB Solution.
About Capgemini Engineering
Capgemini Engineering combines, under one brand, a unique set of strengths from across the
Capgemini Group: the world leading engineering and R&D services of Altran – acquired by
Capgemini in 2020 - and Capgemini’s digital manufacturing expertize. With broad industry knowledge and
cutting-edge technologies in digital and software, Capgemini Engineering supports the convergence of the
physical and digital worlds. We help clients unleash the potential of R&D, a key component of accelerating their
journey towards Intelligent Industry. Capgemini Engineering has more than 52,000 engineer and scientist team
members in over 30 countries across sectors including aeronautics, space and defense, automotive, railway,
communications, energy, life sciences, semiconductors, software, and internet and consumer products.

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