18.08.2025

Deployment of 5G Open RAN infrastructure at Campus Schwarzwald

Author : Chandana Ravi Shankar

Topic : 5G Open RAN

5G technology isn’t just about faster internet; it’s also about incredibly low latency, exceptional reliability, and supporting a huge number of connections. These aspects are critical for real-world industrial applications. A significant shift has been driven by 5G Open RAN, transforming cellular networks from closed, single-vendor solutions into modular, interoperable components connected via open, standard interfaces. By segmenting common base station functionality into Centralized Unit (CU), Distributed Unit (DU), and Radio Unit (RU), Open RAN allows mixing of hardware from separate suppliers, promoting fast innovation.

Campus Schwarzwald, in partnership with Firecell has deployed a private, standalone (SA) 5G network-meaning it operates completely independently from public mobile operators. It gives full control over crucial factors such as security, latency, bandwidth assignment, which is best for specialized industrial application scenarios.

What This Blog Covers

The architecture of our 5G Open RAN deployment.
Step-by-step integration of the 5G Core and RAN within the cabinet.
Use-case examples and future opportunities.

Overview of Network Architecture

Fig 1. 5G Open RAN Network Architecture with collocated CU and DU

The above figure depicts the 5G Open RAN network architecture that follows the O-RAN Alliance’s functional split model (7.2x), featuring these key components:

Radio Access Network (RAN)

The RAN setup adheres to the O-RAN Alliance’s disaggregated model, which separates hardware and software components for greater flexibility and vendor interoperability.

Radio Units (RUs): Located in strategic areas on the campus, RUs are in charge of transmitting and receiving radio signals via licensed spectrum. Firecell incorporates O-RAN-compatible RUs offered by vendors such as Benetel
Distributed Units (DUs): DUs perform real-time Layer 1 and Layer 2 processing, including MAC, RLC, and portions of PHY. These are co-located with CUs in edge racks in order to decrease latency and cabling complexity.
Central Units (CUs): Responsible for PDCP, RRC, and SDAP layers, the CUs manage session establishment and mobility. By co-locating CUs and DUs, the need for a dedicated middlehaul layer is eliminated, which is optimal for campus-scale deployments
Split 7.2 and Split 8 support: The deployment supports flexible function distribution based on use-case needs—ranging from experimental setups to production-like environments.

5G Core Network (CN)

Firecell’s containerized 5G Core runs on Ubuntu servers using Docker Compose. It includes the following key components:

AMF: Manages device registration, authentication, and mobility within the network.
SMF: Oversees sessions and coordinates data transmission alongside UPF.
UPF: Routes user data efficiently between the RAN and external networks.
UDM and UDR: Store essential subscriber information and authentication data.
AUSF, PCF, NSSF: Enhance network security, implement policy controls, and support network slicing.

Network Synchronization

Synchronization across the whole network is ensured through GPS-based timing systems like Precision Time Protocol (PTP) or Network Time Protocol (NTP). This precision is important, particularly for Time Division Duplex (TDD) and coordinated multi-point scenarios.

Network Management System (NMS):

The NMS Dashboard provides a secure, user-friendly, web-based interface for centralized network management. Accessible through a secure browser-based interface (http://<IP>:3001), the NMS offers:

Real-time status of 5G Core and RAN
Connected device metrics (active, idle)
PRB usage and throughput per gNodeB
SIM management and connectivity diagnostics

Fig.2 NMS Dashboard – expanded dashboard view

Upon logging in via the local IP, users are presented with a real-time overview of core network status, connected devices, and RAN performance. The top row of the dashboard features simple visual indicators showing whether the 5G Core and cells are operational and how many devices are active or idle. Beneath this, the performance section displays uplink and downlink bitrate gauges and graphs, with selectable time ranges (from 2 minutes to 24 hours) to observe traffic patterns and network load trends. Each individual cell’s status is listed with corresponding resource usage and number of connected devices, allowing for quick fault diagnosis and performance optimization. Administrators and expert users can also manage SIMs and configure user roles directly from the interface. With its intuitive layout and real-time feedback, the NMS Dashboard empowers the campus team to maintain optimal network performance, conduct live experimentation, and respond swiftly to any operational issues—all within a single, web-accessible platform.

5G Cabinet Architecture at Campus Schwarzwald – Core and RAN Integration Setup

Fig. 3 5G Network Architecture deployed at Campus Schwarzwald

This diagram illustrates the internal architecture of the 5G Cabinet used at Campus Schwarzwald to support its private 5G Open RAN network. It captures the wiring layout, components, and connection logic required to interlink core network functions, radio units, and external timing sources.

Top Section: Radio Access

Wireless icons with MAC addresses represent the Radio Units (RUs) deployed on-site.
Displays radio units (RUs) that are connected with fiber optics enabling fronthaul transfer to distributed units.

Middle Section: Timing and Switching

Adva GM (Grandmaster): Provides GPS-based timing to the network using Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
Adva Switch (PTP): Synchronizes and switches time-sensitive traffic.

Lower Section: Compute and Network Nodes

SRV1 (Core + gNB1): Hosts the 5G Core functions and the first gNodeB (base station).
SRV2 (gNB2) and SRV3 (gNB3) : Hosts the second and third gNodeB
NetGear Switch: A Layer 2 Ethernet switch interconnecting all servers over 1G Ethernet (orange wires) and 10G SFP+ links (gray) for high-speed backhaul and signaling.

Legend

Green wires = Fiber (used for high speed fronthaul transmission and timing)
Orange wires = Ethernet
Gray squares = 10G SFP+ ports
Yellow squares = 1G Ethernet ports

Use-cases and future potential

Imagined in terms of openness, low latency, and high throughput, the 5G Open RAN network is a platform for research as well as next-gen industrial applications. A few of the promising industrial applications are as follows:

Private 5G Networks for industry: Open RAN enables private wireless networks tailored for factories, ports, and logistics hubs—offering low-latency, high-bandwidth connections optimized for industrial IoT and mission-critical automation. Example: Thames Freeport’s deployment includes predictive maintenance, AI-driven analytics, autonomous vehicle control, and real-time orchestration.
Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 : Integration with TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) over 5G supports deterministic latency for robotics and synchronized control systems. 5G Open RAN P-WANs are designed to transport both industrial Ethernet and 5G traffic seamlessly, enabling flexible, mobile-friendly shopfloor networks.
Supply chain and logistics: Ports, warehouses, and logistics terminals can create private Open RAN networks to coordinate cranes, AGVs (automated guided vehicles), drones, and asset tracking systems.

Conclusion

The Campus Schwarzwald 5G Open RAN demonstrates that a fully open, disaggregated architecture is not only feasible but also highly adaptable for private networks. By leveraging standardized interfaces , containerized network functions, we’ve built a resilient, vendor-agnostic system that can evolve alongside emerging requirements.

This implementation serves as a practical blueprint for any organization—be it manufacturing, logistics, or research—looking to harness 5G’s promises of ultra-low latency, deterministic performance, and seamless scalability. As Open RAN software stacks and hardware ecosystems continue to evolve, the path is clear: private 5G will become an integral part of industries , smart campuses, and edge-driven innovation.

Get Involved: Partner with Campus Schwarzwald

If your organization is exploring private 5G, Open RAN innovation, or looking to collaborate on industrial applications, we welcome partnerships, exchanges, and joint experimentation.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, research institute, startup, or technology provider—you can test, integrate, or co-develop on our live 5G Open RAN infrastructure.

Interested in using the network or proposing a collaboration?
Reach out to us at florian.handke@campus-schwarzwald.de and let’s explore what we can build together.

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