Features

5G-LENA high-level feature overview

Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA) architecture: 5G RAN and 4G EPC
3GPP 38.901 spatial channel and antenna array models able to simulate 0.5-100 GHz frequency ranges
Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) modes,
Configurable TDD patterns
Flexible and automatic configuration of the NR frame structure through multiple numerologies
Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based access with variable transmission time intervals (TTI) and single beam capability
Enhanced MAC layer, including flexible MAC schedulers that simultaneously consider time- and frequency-domain resources (resource blocks and OFDM symbols) both for TDMA and OFDMA-based access schemes with variable TTI
UpLink (UL) grant-based access scheme with scheduling request
3GPP-compliant UL buffer status reporting
NR-compliant processing delays and control timings (N0, N1, N2; K0, K1, K2)
Multiple Bandwidth Part (BWP) and component carriers operation
NR PHY layer abstraction, considering LDPC codes, MCS Tables 1 and 2 (up to 256-QAM), LDPC base graph selection and NR block segmentation
Interference management/coordination (including ICIC and notching)
Uplink power control
Sounding reference signals (SRS) modeling
Realistic beamforming based on SRS-based channel estimates
Antennas with multiple-ports and dual-polarized antennas
MIMO modeling, supporting two streams through either multiple antenna ports and dual-polarized antennas
3GPP-compliant PMI (precoding matrix indicator) and RI (rank indicator), assuming MMSE-IRC (interference rejection combining) receiver for inter-stream interference suppression
CQI/PMI/RI feedback and rank adaptation for MIMO
QoS schedulers
Helpers to easily manage spectrum configuration
Multi-Cell configurations allowing multiple cells with different configurations
Radio Environment Map (REM) helpers for the visualization of downlink and uplink (REM) maps
Helpers to create different topologies, e.g., hexagonal topology helper and grid topology helper
Various helpers that generate traces at different layers of the protocol stack
NGMN traffic models: video streaming, voice over IP (VoIP), uplink/downlink gaming, FTP
3GPP XR traffic models: XR (AR, VR and CG) and 3GPP FTP Model 1

Additional extensions include NR-U an NR V2X simulators:

NR-U implements NR operation in unlicensed spectrum, through multiple channel access managers, including duty-cycling as well as Listen-Before-Talk (LBT)-based procedures.
NR V2X for NR vehicular communications, including support of NR frame structure, PSCCH and PSSCH multiplexing, resource allocation for NR V2X using mode 2 (autonomous resource selection), SCI (Sidelink Control Information) update, compliance with scenarios and channel models based on TR 38.885. Our initial focus is on: frequency range 1 with numerologies 0, 1, and 2, TDD system, out-of-coverage scenarios, mode 2 resource allocation, broadcast communications, omnidirectional transmissions/receptions for sidelink, sensing-based semi-persistent scheduling (for basic service messages), slot-based scheduling, PSCCH/PSSCH time multiplexing, and blind retransmissions.

Architectural description

In our simulator, we provide an end-to-end environment. As an example, please take a look into the following Figure, that describes all the building blocks from a remote host to a User Equipment:

More in detail, at the Network Device level, we have implemented the following layers:

You can find more information about the MAC features, or the PHY features, or the higher layers.