Rapidly Deployable Intelligent 5G Aerial Neutral Host Networks: an O-RAN-Based Approach

Rapidly deployable mobile networks are in demand to support connectivity in underserved areas and on occasions where the existing infrastructure becomes unavailable. Aerial platforms are ideal for delivering such networks benefitting from their flexibility and large coverage. However, compared with the terrestrial networks (TNs), the non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have significantly different features in terms of energy consumption, network capacity and hardware design. This paper adapts the framework of Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) and presents the potential of including NTNs into the O-RAN architecture. This gives the NTNs the access to the O-RAN's core intelligence, the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) which allows the optimisation of the network against various targets. This paper also presents a compact neutral host 5G network testbed using software defined radio (SDR) and open-source software. The small form factor of such networks allows them to operate with ground and aerial vehicles, therefore providing coverage at flexible locations without relying on existing infrastructure.