ComReg, under its Test & Trial Ireland programme, has awarded a test licence to researchers at University College Dublin (UCD) NetsLab (https://netslab.ucd.ie/). This licence enables testing next-generation communication networks (5G and beyond) under real-world conditions. Researchers at UCD NetsLab can now deploy and evaluate novel solutions to enhance the privacy and security of future networks. Their work focuses on developing innovative AI and zero-touch solutions to protect both the network and end users from potential security and privacy threats. Additionally, they are exploring traffic steering, dynamic spectrum allocation, and various methods to increase the efficiency and utilisation of Open Radio Access Networks (ORAN).
The UCD NetsLab 5G ORAN Test Network, located at the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin, hosts a state-of-the-art testbed. This testbed is a central hub for advancing 5G technology research. The network utilises OpenAirInterface (OAI), an open-source, software-defined solution. The deployment infrastructure includes a Core Network 5G (CN5G), an O-RAN Centralized Unit (O-CU), two O-RAN Distributed Units (O-DU), and a Benetel indoor O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU). At the edge, the network features a powerful Dell Precision 7920 server for edge computing. Additionally, the network is equipped with two NI Ettus B200 USRPs.
The testbed comprises various end devices, including a UVify IFO-S drone, two Meta Quest 3 mixed reality VR headsets, two Quectel RM500 5G modems, several 5G dongles, and a range of low-end and high-end IoT devices, such as Raspberry Pi 4 devices and Nvidia Jetson AGX Orin devices. UCD NetsLab is committed to continuously updating the network with state-of-the-art devices to ensure the testbed remains at the forefront of ORAN innovation.
Moreover, this test network will be connected with the DenseAir (https://denseair.net/) network.
ComReg is obligated to promote innovation, and the Test & Trial Ireland programme is a key component of this responsibility. The test licence, awarded by ComReg in the 3.8 GHz to 4.2 GHz frequency band, underscores the importance of academic research in developing next-generation networks.
For more information on ComReg’s Test and Trial Programme, please visit www.testandtrial.ie.