Compute Resource Disaggregation: An Enabler for Efficient 5G RAN Softwarisation

This paper proposes the concept of compute resource disaggregation in centralized softwarised Radio Access Networks. This approach allows individual allocation of processing functions, to different servers depending on the nature and volume of their processing requirements. The benefits of the proposed approach are evaluated through experiments analyzing the BBU processing requirements of L TE using an open source suite for wireless systems and a purposely developed Multistage Linear Programming modeling framework. Our results show significant benefits of the proposed approach compared to the traditional solution in terms of energy efficiency.