arXiv subjects

Pablo Ameigeiras

Publications and source records attributed to Pablo Ameigeiras.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Performance Analysis of 5G RAN Slicing Deployment Options in Industry 4.0 Factories

This paper studies Radio Access Network (RAN) slicing strategies for 5G Industry~4.0 networks with ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) requirements. We compare four RAN slicing deployment options that differ in slice sharing and in the degree of per-line or per-flow isolation. Unlike prior works that assume a fixed slicing structure, this work addresses how RAN slicing should be instantiated in the presence of multiple production lines and heterogeneous industrial flows. A Stochastic Network Calculus (SNC)-based analytical framework and a heuristic slice planner are used to evaluate per-flow delay guarantees and radio resource utilization. Within the considered RAN-level analytical model, the results show that, under resource scarcity, only per-flow slicing prevents delay violations, whereas slice-sharing and hybrid deployments improve aggregation efficiency at the cost of weaker protection for the most delay-critical flows. Execution-time results show that the proposed planner operates at non-real-time (Non-RT) time scales, supporting its implementation as an rApp within Open RAN (O-RAN) Non-RT RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) control loops.

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arXiv2026

Impact of 5G Latency and Jitter on TAS Scheduling in a 5G-TSN Network: An Empirical Study

Deterministic communications are essential to meet the stringent delay and jitter requirements of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) services. IIoT increasingly demands wide-area wireless mobility to support Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and dynamic workflows. Integrating Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) with 5G private networks is emerging as a promising approach to fulfill these requirements. In this architecture, 5G provides wireless access for industrial devices, which connect to a TSN backbone that interfaces with the enterprise edge/cloud, where IIoT control and computing systems reside. TSN achieves bounded latency and low jitter using IEEE 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaper (TAS), which schedules the network traffic in precise time slots. However, the stochastic delay and jitter inherent in 5G disrupt TSN scheduling, requiring careful tuning of TAS parameters to maintain end-to-end determinism. This paper presents an empirical study evaluating the impact of 5G downlink delay and jitter on TAS scheduling using a testbed with TSN switches and a commercial 5G network. Results show that guaranteeing bounded latency and jitter requires careful setting of TAS transmission window offset between TSN switches based on the measured 5G delay bounded by a high order p-th percentile. Otherwise, excessive offset may cause additional delay or even a complete loss of determinism.

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arXiv2025

Empirical Evaluation of a 5G Transparent Clock for Time Synchronization in a TSN-5G Network

Time synchronization is essential for industrial IoT and Industry 4.0/5.0 applications, but achieving high synchronization accuracy in Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)-5G networks is challenging due to jitter and asymmetric delays. 3GPP TS 23.501 defines three 5G synchronization modes: time-aware system, boundary clock (BC), and transparent clock (TC), where TC offers a promising solution. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no empirical evaluation of TC in a TSN-5G network. This paper empirically evaluates an 5G end-to-end TC in a TSN-5G network, implemented on commercial TSN switches with a single clock. For TC development, we compute the residence time in 5G and recover the clock domain at the slave node. We deploy a TSN-5G testbed with commercial equipment for synchronization evaluation by modifying the Precision Timing Protocol (PTP) message transmission rates. Experimental results show a peak-to-peak synchronization of 500 ns, meeting the industrial requirement of < 1 us, with minimal synchronization offsets for specific PTP message transmission rates.

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arXiv2025

Unleashing 5G Seamless Integration with TSN for Industry 5.0: Frame Forwarding and QoS Treatment

Integrating Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and 5th Generation (5G) systems is key for providing wireless low-latency services in industry. Despite research efforts, challenges remain. Due to the lack of commercial 5G modems supporting Ethernet-based sessions, tunneling mechanisms must be used to enable Layer 2 connectivity between TSN islands via IP-based 5G modems. Furthermore, harmonizing traffic classification and prioritization between TSN and 5G technologies is crucial for meeting industrial service requirements. In this work, we propose a Virtual Extensible LAN (VxLAN)-based solution to harmonize frame forwarding and Quality of Service (QoS) treatment among 5G and TSN. Our solution supports multiple Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) across several production lines. Furthermore, it supports TSN traffic mapping into 5G QoS flows. We use a 5G testbed to validate the effectiveness of the adopted solution. Our results show the average delay introduced by the proposed mechanisms is approximately 100 μs, which is significantly lower than the typical 5G packet transmission delay. Moreover, our findings demonstrate our solution preserves QoS treatment between the 5G system and TSN, ensuring that the priority of 5G QoS flows aligns with the priorities of industrial traffic flows.

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arXiv2025

Empirical Analysis of 5G TDD Patterns Configurations for Industrial Automation Traffic

The digital transformation driven by Industry 4.0 relies on networks that support diverse traffic types with strict deterministic end-to-end latency and mobility requirements. To meet these requirements, future industrial automation networks will use time-sensitive networking, integrating 5G as wireless access points to connect production lines with time-sensitive networking bridges and the enterprise edge cloud. However, achieving deterministic end-to-end latency remains a challenge, particularly due to the variable packet transmission delay introduced by the 5G system. While time-sensitive networking bridges typically operate with latencies in the range of hundreds of microseconds, 5G systems may experience delays ranging from a few to several hundred milliseconds. This paper investigates the potential of configuring the 5G time division duplex pattern to minimize packet transmission delay in industrial environments. Through empirical measurements using a commercial 5G system, we evaluate different TDD configurations under varying traffic loads, packet sizes and full buffer status report activation. Based on our findings, we provide practical configuration recommendations for satisfying requirements in industrial automation, helping private network providers increase the adoption of 5G.

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arXiv2025

Empirical Analysis of the Impact of 5G Jitter on Time-Aware Shaper Scheduling in a 5G-TSN Network

Deterministic communications are essential for industrial automation, ensuring strict latency requirements and minimal jitter in packet transmission. Modern production lines, specializing in robotics, require higher flexibility and mobility, which drives the integration of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and 5G networks in Industry 4.0. TSN achieves deterministic communications by using mechanisms such as the IEEE 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaper (TAS), which schedules packet transmissions within precise cycles, thereby reducing latency, jitter, and congestion. 5G networks complement TSN by providing wireless mobility and supporting ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications. However, 5G channel effects such as fast fading, interference, and network-induced latency and jitter can disrupt TSN traffic, potentially compromising deterministic scheduling and performance. This paper presents an empirical analysis of 5G network latency and jitter on IEEE 802.1Qbv performance in a 5G-TSN network. We evaluate the impact of 5G integration on TSN's deterministic scheduling through a testbed combining IEEE 802.1Qbv-enabled switches, TSN translators, and a commercial 5G system. Our results show that, with proper TAS configuration in the TSN switch aligned with the 5G system, jitter can be mitigated, maintaining deterministic performance.

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arXiv2020

Sharing gNB components in RAN slicing: A perspective from 3GPP/NFV standards

To implement the next Generation NodeBs (gNBs) that are present in every Radio Access Network (RAN) slice subnet, Network Function Virtualization (NFV) enables the deployment of some of the gNB components as Virtual Networks Functions (VNFs). Deploying individual VNF instances for these components could guarantee the customization of each RAN slice subnet. However, due to the multiplicity of VNFs, the required amount of virtual resources will be greater compared to the case where a single VNF instance carries the aggregated traffic of all the RAN slice subnets. Sharing gNB components between RAN slice subnets could optimize the trade-off between customization, isolation and resource utilization. In this article, we shed light on the key aspects in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)/NFV standards for sharing gNB components. First, we identify four possible scenarios for sharing gNB components. Then, we analyze the impact of sharing on the customization level of each RAN slice subnet. Later, we determine the main factors that enable isolation between RAN slice subnets. Finally, we propose a 3GPP/NFV-based description model to define the lifecycle management of shared gNB components

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arXiv2019

Analytic Analysis of Narrowband IoT Coverage Enhancement Approaches

The introduction of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) as a cellular IoT technology aims to support massive Machine-Type Communications applications. These applications are characterized by massive connections from a large number of low-complexity and low-power devices. One of the goals of NB-IoT is to improve coverage extension beyond existing cellular technologies. In order to do that, NB-IoT introduces transmission repetitions and different bandwidth allocation configurations in uplink. These new transmission approaches yield many transmission options in uplink. In this paper, we propose analytical expressions that describe the influence of these new approaches in the transmission. Our analysis is based on the Shannon theorem. The transmission is studied in terms of the required Signal to Noise Ratio, bandwidth utilization, and energy per transmitted bit. Additionally, we propose an uplink link adaptation algorithm that contemplates these new transmission approaches. The conducted evaluation summarizes the influence of these approaches. Furthermore, we present the resulting uplink link adaptation from our proposed algorithm sweeping the device's coverage.

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arXiv2018

Automated Network Service Scaling in NFV: Concepts, Mechanisms and Scaling Workflow

Next-generation systems are anticipated to be digital platforms supporting innovative services with rapidly changing traffic patterns. To cope with this dynamicity in a cost-efficient manner, operators need advanced service management capabilities such as those provided by NFV. NFV enables operators to scale network services with higher granularity and agility than today. For this end, automation is key. In search of this automation, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has defined a reference NFV framework that make use of model-driven templates called Network Service Descriptors (NSDs) to operate network services through their lifecycle. For the scaling operation, an NSD defines a discrete set of instantiation levels among which a network service instance can be resized throughout its lifecycle. Thus, the design of these levels is key for ensuring an effective scaling. In this article, we provide an overview of the automation of the network service scaling operation in NFV, addressing the options and boundaries introduced by ETSI normative specifications. We start by providing a description of the NSD structure, focusing on how instantiation levels are constructed. For illustrative purposes, we propose an NSD for a representative NS. This NSD includes different instantiation levels that enable different ways to automatically scale this NS. Then, we show the different scaling procedures the NFV framework has available, and how it may automate their triggering. Finally, we propose an ETSI-compliant workflow to describe in detail a representative scaling procedure. This workflow clarifies the interactions and information exchanges between the functional blocks in the NFV framework when performing the scaling operation.

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arXiv2018

The Creation Phase in Network Slicing: From a Service Order to an Operative Network Slice

Network slicing is considered a key mechanism to serve the multitude of tenants (e.g. vertical industries) targeted by forthcoming 5G systems in a flexible and cost-efficient manner. In this paper, we present a SDN/NFV architecture with multi-tenancy support. This architecture enables a network slice provider to deploy network slice instances for multiple tenants on-the-fly, and simultaneously provision them with isolation guarantees. Following the Network Slice as-a-Service delivery model, a tenant may access a Service Catalog, selecting the slice that best fits its needs and ordering its deployment. This work provides a detailed view on the stages that a network slice provider must follow to deploy the ordered network slice instance, accommodating it into a multi-domain infrastructure, and putting it operative for tenant's consumption. These stages address critical issues identified in the literature, including (i) the mapping from high-level service requirements to network functions and infrastructure requirements, (ii) the admission control, and (iii) the specific information a network slice descriptor should have. With the proposed architecture and the recommended set of stages, network slice providers can deploy (and later operate) slice instances with great agility, flexibility, and full automation.

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arXiv2018

NarrowBand IoT Data Transmission Procedures for Massive Machine Type Communications

Large-scale deployments of massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) involve several challenges on cellular networks. To address the challenges of mMTC, or more generally, Internet of Things (IoT), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project has developed NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) as part of Release 13. NB-IoT is designed to provide better indoor coverage, support of a massive number of low-throughput devices, with relaxed delay requirements, and lower-energy consumption. NB-IoT reuses Long Term Evolution functionality with simplifications and optimizations. Particularly for small data transmissions, NB-IoT specifies two procedures to reduce the required signaling: one of them based on the Control Plane (CP), and the other on the User Plane (UP). In this work, we provide an overview of these procedures as well as an evaluation of their performance. The results of the energy consumption show both optimizations achieve a battery lifetime extension of more than 2 years for a large range in the considered cases, and up to 8 years for CP with good coverage. In terms of cell capacity relative to SR, CP achieves gains from 26% to 224%, and UP ranges from 36% to 165%. The comparison of CP and UP optimizations yields similar results, except for some specific configurations.

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arXiv2017

Optimized LTE Data Transmission Procedures for IoT: Device Side Energy Consumption Analysis

The efficient deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) over cellular networks, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or the next generation 5G, entails several challenges. For massive IoT, reducing the energy consumption on the device side becomes essential. One of the main characteristics of massive IoT is small data transmissions. To improve the support of them, the 3GPP has included two novel optimizations in LTE: one of them based on the Control Plane (CP), and the other on the User Plane (UP). In this paper, we analyze the average energy consumption per data packet using these two optimizations compared to conventional LTE Service Request procedure. We propose an analytical model to calculate the energy consumption for each procedure based on a Markov chain. In the considered scenario, for large and small Inter-Arrival Times (IATs), the results of the three procedures are similar. While for medium IATs CP reduces the energy consumption per packet up to 87% due to its connection release optimization.

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arXiv2017

Network Slicing for 5G with SDN/NFV: Concepts, Architectures and Challenges

The fifth generation of mobile communications is anticipated to open up innovation opportunities for new industries such as vertical markets. However, these verticals originate myriad use cases with diverging requirements that future 5G networks have to efficiently support. Network slicing may be a natural solution to simultaneously accommodate over a common network infrastructure the wide range of services that vertical-specific use cases will demand. In this article, we present the network slicing concept, with a particular focus on its application to 5G systems. We start by summarizing the key aspects that enable the realization of so-called network slices. Then, we give a brief overview on the SDN architecture proposed by the ONF and show that it provides tools to support slicing. We argue that although such architecture paves the way for network slicing implementation, it lacks some essential capabilities that can be supplied by NFV. Hence, we analyze a proposal from the ETSI to incorporate the capabilities of SDN into the NFV architecture. Additionally, we present an example scenario that combines SDN and NFV technologies to address the realization of network slices. Finally, we summarize the open research issues with the purpose of motivating new advances in this field.

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arXiv2017

Analytical Modeling for Virtualized Network Functions

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is considered one of the key technologies for the 5G mobile networks. In NFV, network functions are implemented in software components denominated Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) running on commodity hardware. In this paper, we propose an analytical model based on an open queuing network of G/G/m queues to model VNFs with single- or multi-tier designs, and chains of VNFs. Our model is flexible and generic enough to capture the behavior of such systems. We validate our model by simulation. Specifically, we validate it for an LTE virtualized Mobility Management Entity with a three-tiered architecture use case. We also compare our model with the estate of the art, in terms of computational complexity and estimation error. The results show that our model has a computational complexity similar to the method for analyzing Jackson's networks. Additionally, our model exhibits an estimation error, measured as the relative error for the estimation of the mean response time, approximately equal to 10%, whereas for the considered baseline systems it ranges roughly from 60% to 90%.

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arXiv2017

Modeling and Dimensioning of a Virtualized MME for 5G Mobile Networks

Network Function Virtualization is considered one of the key technologies for developing the future mobile networks. In this paper, we propose a theoretical framework to evaluate the performance of an LTE virtualized Mobility Management Entity (vMME) hosted in a data center. This theoretical framework consists of i) a queuing network to model the vMME in a data center, and ii) analytic expressions to estimate the overall mean system delay and the signaling workload to be processed by the vMME. We validate our mathematical model by simulation. One direct use of the proposed model is vMME dimensioning, i.e., to compute the number of vMME processing instances to provide a target system delay given the number of users in the system. Additionally, the paper includes a scalability analysis of the system. In our study, we consider the billing model and a data center setup of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud service, and estimate experimentally the processing time of MME processing instances for different LTE control procedures. For the considered setup, our results show that a vMME is scalable for signaling workloads up to 37000 LTE control procedures per second for a target mean system delay of 1 ms. The database performance assumed imposes this limit in the system scalability.

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arXiv2015

Latency Evaluation of a Virtualized MME

Network Virtualization is one of the key technologies for developing the future mobile networks. However, the performance of virtual mobile entities may not be sufficient for delivering the service required for future networks in terms of throughput or service time. In addition, to take advantage of the virtualization capabilities, a criterion to decide when to scale out the number of instances is a must. In this paper we propose an LTE virtualized Mobility Management Entity queue model to evaluate its service time for a given signaling workload. The estimation of this latency can serve to decide how many processing instances should be deployed to provide a target service. Additionally, we provide a compound data traffic model for the future mobile applications, and we predict theoretically the control workload that it will generate. Finally, we evaluate the virtualized Mobility Management Entity overall delay by simulation, providing insights for selecting the number of virtual instances for a given number of users.

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arXiv2013

Video Tester -- A multiple-metric framework for video quality assessment over IP networks

This paper presents an extensible and reusable framework which addresses the problem of video quality assessment over IP networks. The proposed tool (referred to as Video-Tester) supports raw uncompressed video encoding and decoding. It also includes different video over IP transmission methods (i.e.: RTP over UDP unicast and multicast, as well as RTP over TCP). In addition, it is furnished with a rich set of offline analysis capabilities. Video-Tester analysis includes QoS and bitstream parameters estimation (i.e.: bandwidth, packet inter-arrival time, jitter and loss rate, as well as GOP size and I-frame loss rate). Our design facilitates the integration of virtually any existing video quality metric thanks to the adopted Python-based modular approach. Video-Tester currently provides PSNR, SSIM, ITU-T G.1070 video quality metric, DIV and PSNR-based MOS estimations. In order to promote its use and extension, Video-Tester is open and publicly available.

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