Tan Lei, Sweden Yi Neng Software Co., Ltd. Degrees Of Freedom Platform,Wave Simulation Platform,Shipboard Motion Simulation Bench,flight sim motion platform Suzhou Johnson Automation Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cn-johnson.com
Industry Background
In the rapidly evolving communication industry, the rise of mobile technologies and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices have led to a massive increase in demand for 5G communication bandwidth. As illustrated in Figure 1, compared to 4G technology, 5G offers a 10-fold improvement in data transmission speed and network latency, while reducing the Transmission Time Interval (TTI) from 1ms to 0.2ms. This also brings about a significant increase in network capacity and base station density. Consequently, 5G base stations require enhanced data processing capabilities and stricter real-time performance requirements for their software systems. Additionally, with the emergence of Network Function Virtualization (NFV), the hardware and software architecture of 5G base stations must be redefined to accommodate new operational models and improve flexibility.
Figure 1. Comparison of key 4G and 5G indicators
2. 5G Base Station Technology Evolution Trends
Driven by these advancements, 5G base stations are undergoing significant technological transformations. One major trend is the adoption of Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN), where the L1, L2, and L3 layers are processed closer to the cloud rather than being fully distributed as in traditional 4G base stations. C-RAN allows for flexible partitioning of functional modules between the cloud and the RAN side, supporting various deployment scenarios. As shown in Figure 2, 5G C-RAN supports multiple centralized processing methods, including full centralization on the cloud, partial centralization with only the PHY layer distributed, and semi-centralization where only the PDCP layer is centralized.
Figure 2. Functional structure partitioning of different centralized processing methods for 5G C-RAN
This flexible approach enables 5G base stations to adapt to diverse service scenarios, as seen in Figure 3. The evolution from 4G to 5G requires a more adaptable and scalable hardware and software architecture to support varying performance demands.
Figure 3. Evolution of 4G to 5G base station technology
Another key trend is the move toward virtualization through NFV. As depicted in Figure 4, NFV allows baseband units (BBUs) to be virtualized into resource pools managed by the cloud, enabling efficient resource allocation and utilization.
Figure 4. Evolution of 5G base station technology to virtualization
3. Challenges
Despite its potential, 5G technology faces numerous challenges. One of the primary issues is the need to reduce TTI from 1ms to 0.2ms while increasing data rates by tenfold. This demands a significant boost in processing speed and stricter real-time performance from base station software. Moreover, the dynamic load variations in the L2 function structure under different C-RAN configurations pose additional challenges for scheduling and processing capabilities. These technical hurdles require a robust real-time operating system with high-performance computing capabilities.
In addition, NFV introduces further complexity, requiring powerful platform software to support virtualization services and ensure seamless integration with real-time systems.
4. ENEA’s Operating System Software Solution for 5G Base Stations
To meet the demanding requirements of 5G, ENEA provides a comprehensive software solution that includes real-time operating systems and NFV platforms. For high-performance functions in the L1 layer, such as signal processing, specialized hardware like FPGAs, ASICs, and hardware accelerators are used. Meanwhile, L2 and L3 layers can run on multi-core SoCs, supported by a real-time OS for efficient resource management and NFV platform software for virtualization.
ENEA, a global leader in real-time operating systems and NFV solutions, has developed multiple software options tailored for 5G C-RAN deployments, offering flexibility and scalability across different use cases.
4.1 Scenario 1: Enea OSE RTOS + Enea Linux
In this configuration, the remaining parts of the L1 layer with lower computational needs and the full L2 layer are handled by Enea OSE RTOS, which ensures strict real-time performance. The L3 and O&M layers, which require less stringent real-time handling, run on Enea Linux. This setup mirrors the traditional base station architecture and corresponds to the distributed C-RAN model.
Figure 5. Enea OSE RTOS + Enea Linux
4.2 Option 2: Enea OSE RTOS + Enea NFV
With the introduction of NFV, multiple virtual machines can be hosted on the same hardware, enabling flexible resource allocation. In this scenario, the L1 and part of the L2 layers run on Enea OSE RTOS, while the remaining L2 and L3 layers are virtualized using Enea NFV. This setup supports both PHY Split and PDCP Split configurations.
Figure 6. Enea OSE RTOS + Enea NFV
4.3 Scenario 3: Enea OSE RTOS as Guest OS + Enea NFV
For full virtualization, Enea NFV enables all L1, L2, and L3 layers to be virtualized, allowing optimal cloud-side resource management. In this case, Enea OSE RTOS runs as a guest OS within VMs, ensuring real-time performance for critical layers. This setup represents a fully centralized C-RAN deployment.
Figure 7. Enea OSE RTOS as Guest OS + Enea NFV
5. Conclusion
As an evolution of 4G, 5G relies heavily on the technical expertise of communication equipment manufacturers and software vendors. ENEA, established in 1968 and listed in Sweden since 1989, has played a significant role in the development of open-source initiatives like OpenNFV.
To address the challenges and trends in 5G, ENEA has introduced three distinct software solutions for 5G base stations, each tailored for different deployment scenarios:
- **Distributed Architecture**: Suitable for rural areas with wide coverage and low population density. It features a flat structure and easy deployment.
- **Fully Centralized Architecture**: Ideal for urban hotspots such as offices, shopping malls, and stadiums, where high-speed and high-performance networks are required.
- **Semi-Centralized Architecture**: A balanced option for sites that are moderately large and densely populated.
These solutions reflect ENEA’s commitment to delivering flexible and scalable software for the future of 5G communications.