5G ESSENCE: Next-Generation integrated in-flight connectivity and entertainment systems

5G ESSENCE (Embedded Network Services for 5G Experiences) has focused on fully enabling cloud-integrated multi-tenant small cell networking: Using centralised small cell functions as scale grows through an edge cloud environment based on a two-tier architecture. A distributed tier offers low latency services. A second centralised tier is used for providing high processing power for computing-intensive network applications. This allows decoupling the control and user planes of the Radio Access Network (RAN) and achieving the benefits of Cloud-RAN without the enormous fronthaul latency restrictions.

End-to-end network slicing mechanisms allows the sharing of the 5G ESSENCE infrastructure across multiple operators/industry verticals, customising its capabilities on a per-tenant basis. The versatility of the architecture is enhanced by high-performance virtualisation techniques for data isolation, latency reduction and resource efficiency, and by orchestrating lightweight virtual resources enabling efficient Virtualised Network Function placement and live migration.

Keywords: Multiple radio access technologies (multi-RAT), Cloud-enabled small cell manager (CESCM), Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC).

About the Demonstration

This demonstration comprises a video recorded at ZII premises in Wessling (Munich, Germany) in November 2019, bringing together different physical locations, e.g. an Airbus A320 Cabin mock-up and an RTD wireless laboratory, alongside diverse resources, e.g. screen recordings from the CESCM, the OSM and OpenStack GUIs, tablets and smartphones. The demonstration also took into account which radio access technologies (RATs) are allowed in the new IFEC system (e.g. multi-RAT co-existence, Wi-Fi, LTE). 

The plot revolves around the cloud-enabled small cell manager in the role of the Crew Panel, deploying different on-board services as required. 

The recording follows a normal flight cycle, showing how different components of 5G ESSENCE can be used during the flight with a view to enhancing today's IFEC system, from both a crew and passenger perspective. 

In summary, this 5G ESSENCE demonstration tests the multi-tenacny enabled network soluion for passenger connectivity and wireless broadband experiences, showing the proper behaviour of all the components, individually and communicating with the other elements, as an example of next-generation In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Systems.

In terms of 5G functionalities, 5G ESSENCE investigates.

• Multitenancy.
• Low latency.

Location: Munich (Germany)

Date: November 2019

Vertical Partners involved: Zodiac Inflight Innovations

Also involved: ATOS Spain S.A., National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”

Other Partners: OTE - Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (Coordinator), Athonet S.R.L., British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), Catalonia University of Technology, Casa Communications Technology SLU, CyberLens Ltd, Eight Bells Ltd., Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Fundacio i2CAT, INTEL R&D Ireland Ltd., IS-WIRELESS, Italtel SpA, Municipality of Egaleo, NEC Europe Ltd., Orion Innovations, Thales Communications & Security SAS, Universidad del Pais Vasco/ Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, WIND TRE S.p.A.

5G ESSENCE Website | @5GPPP_5GESSENCE