Publikation
Implementation and Evaluation of Open and Reproducible NF Migration Scenarios in a Containerized 6G Core Network
Devanshu Anand; Michael Gundall; Hans Dieter Schotten
In: 2025 IEEE Globecom Workshops. IEEE Global Communications Conference Workshops (Globeccom Wkshps-2025), December 8-12, IEEE, 12/2025.
Zusammenfassung
As 6G and beyond network infrastructures evolve, open-source, modular testbeds play a vital role in enabling reproducible research and skill development. In this paper, we present a scenario-driven evaluation of dynamic network function (NF) management within an open-source 5G core, leveraging container-based deployment, CRIU (Checkpoint/Restore In Userspace), and Session Management Function (SMF)-triggered rerouting logic. Using Open5GS and OpenAirInterface (OAI) as foundational toolkits, we construct five interconnected scenarios that address real-time NF migration, User Plane Function (UPF) redundancy, policy-based routing, and control-plane resiliency. Our experiments are conducted across virtualized environments using Docker and VirtualBox, simulating edge-cloud separation, fault tolerance, and live recovery. While grounded in 5G core architecture, our approach contributes directly to the design of reproducible, cost-effective testbeds that can serve as a blueprint for 6G experimental infrastructures. The results offer practical guidance for building future-ready test environments aligned with the goals of open research and education.