Analytical comparison of NG-RAN implementations and automated configuration for streamlining gNodeB deployment

This repository contains the source files for my Master's Thesis at the University of Padova (UniPD), written in LaTeX.

Author: Michael Amista'
Supervisor: Prof. Claudio Enrico Palazzi
Institution: Department of Mathematics "Tullio Levi-Civita" - University of Padova (UniPD)
Degree: M.Sc. in Computer Science
Academic Year: 2024-2025

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Abstract

This thesis presents a dual-focused study on the analytical comparison of Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) implementations and the development of an automated configuration system to streamline the deployment of 5G base stations (gNodeBs). As mobile networks adopt increasingly heterogeneous and multi-vendor RAN solutions, the complexity of configuring gNBs grows due to diverse vendor-specific architectures and parameter sets.

In the first part of the research, a systematic comparative analysis of different NG-RAN implementations was conducted. This included both a detailed examination of vendor documentation and practical validation through experimental simulations on dedicated hardware. Key functional areas were identified, and a structured evaluation methodology was applied to highlight similarities, differences, and configuration dependencies across implementations.

The second part builds upon the insights gained from the comparative study. A set of shared parameters, referred to as the greatest common denominator, was extracted from the analysis, forming a vendor-neutral configuration core. This model served as the basis for the design and development of an automated configuration system. The resulting tool includes a simple user interface that accepts standardized configuration input and generates implementation-specific configuration files, thereby significantly reducing deployment time and the risk of human error in the research environment.

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Repository Structure

• thesis.tex: Main LaTeX file that compiles the entire thesis.
• thesis.pdf: Compiled PDF of the thesis.
• .latexmkrc: Configuration for latexmk build tool.

Directories

• appendix/: Supplementary material.

  • acronyms.tex: List of acronyms used in the thesis.
  • bibliography.tex: Bibliography and references.

• chapters/: Contains the main chapters of the thesis, each as a separate .tex file:

  • 01-introduction.tex: Introduction to the thesis topic, objectives, and structure.
  • 02-technical-background.tex: Technical background relevant to the research.
  • 03-study-methodology.tex: Description of the research methodology and approach.
  • 04-srsRAN.tex: Details and analysis of the srsRAN platform.
  • 05-openAirInterface.tex: Details and analysis of the OpenAirInterface platform.
  • 06-experiments.tex: Experimental setup, procedures, and data collection.
  • 07-automated-configuration-system.tex: Design and implementation of the automated configuration system.
  • 08-conclusion.tex: Conclusions, summary of findings, and future work.

• config/: LaTeX configuration files.

  • packages.tex: List of LaTeX packages used.
  • thesis-config.tex: Custom thesis configuration.
  • variables.tex: Custom variables for the thesis.

• images/: All images and figures used in the thesis.

  • Includes diagrams, logos, and experiment results.
  • Subfolders (e.g., experiments/DU-CU/, experiments/gNB/) contain figures for specific experiments.

• preface/: Front matter and preliminary pages.

  • acknowledgements.tex: Acknowledgements section.
  • copyright.tex: Copyright statement.
  • summary.tex: Thesis abstract.
  • table-of-contents.tex: Table of contents.
  • title-page.tex: Title page.

Copyright

© 2025 Michael Amista'.

This work is the intellectual property of Michael Amista' and the University of Padova. Attribution is required for any reuse or distribution. For permissions, please contact the author or the University of Padova.