Electronics and Communication Engineering 5G Core Network Virtual Laboratory Experiments

Deployments Basic Core Network (SDN)

Video Walkthrough: We have created a video demonstrating this experiment where we perform the procedure and explain the steps. Click here to watch on YouTube

Introduction to the 5G Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Dashboard

The 5G Service-Based Architecture Dashboard allows you to deploy, configure, and validate core network functions (NFs) in a simulated 5G Core environment.

You can deploy the 5G Core using either of the following methods:

  1. Deploy using Terminal
  2. Manual NF-by-NF Deployment
  3. One-Click Core Deployment

Each method is described in detail below.

Method 1: Deploy Network Functions Using Terminal (Docker Compose)

This method allows you to deploy all Network Functions at once using predefined Docker Compose configurations.

Step 1: Open the SBA Terminal

  1. Launch the SBA Dashboard.
  2. Click the Terminal button available in the dashboard interface.
  3. Ensure you are in the project root directory.

Fig: SBA dashboard terminal button and interface.

Step 2: Launch All Network Functions

Click on the terminal button to open the terminal then from the project root directory, execute the following command:

docker compose -f docker-compose.yml up -d

Fig: Terminal output showing core network deployment with docker compose.

This confirms that all core NFs and supporting services are running successfully.

Step 3: Verify Docker Network Creation

List available Docker networks:

docker network ls

You should see the oaiworkshop network:

Fig: Docker network list showing oaiworkshop network.

Step 4: Inspect Network and NF IP Assignment

Inspect the OAI network to verify IP allocation:

docker network inspect oaiworkshop

Fig: Docker network inspect output for IP assignment verification.

This confirms successful NF deployment and network stabilization.

Step 5: Stop and Remove All Network Functions

To stop and clean up all running containers and networks:

docker compose -f docker-compose.yml down

Fig: Docker compose down cleanup of core network containers.

Method 2: Start NFs Manually (One by One)

Step 1: Select and Configure a Network Function (NF)

  1. Select an NF:
    • Click any NF type (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF, AUSF, UDM, PCF, etc.) on the dashboard.

Fig: NF selection and configuration interface on the dashboard.

  1. Enter Configuration Details:

    • In the NF Configuration Panel:
      • IP Address: Enter a valid IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.12).
      • Port Number: Provide the NF's port (e.g., 8080, 9090, etc.).
      • Protocol: Select the protocol from the dropdown: HTTP/1 or HTTP/2.

  2. Start NF:

    • Click the Start NF button.

  3. Wait for Stabilization:

    • The NF takes around 4–5 seconds to initialize and stabilize.
    • Once ready, it will automatically attempt to communicate with other available NFs.

Fig: NF initialization and configuration progress status.

Step 2: Repeat the Process for All NFs

Follow Steps 6 for each NF in the topology.

Once all NFs are:

  • Configured
  • Started
  • Stabilized

your manual 5G core setup becomes active and interconnected.

Fig: Manual NF deployment completion and topology status.

Method 3: One-Click Core Deployment

This method automatically deploys all Network Functions at once.

Step 1: Initiate One-Click Core Deployment

  1. Click the Core Deploy button.
  2. A deployment process begins automatically.
  3. The system may take some time to fully initialize depending on the number of NFs.

Step 2: Understand the Automated Deployment Steps

The following steps are executed internally during one-click deployment:

  1. Clearing Existing Topology

    • Removes previously running NFs and resets the workspace.

  2. Loading Core Configuration

    • Imports predefined NF settings and parameters.

  3. Deploying Network Functions

    • Automatically launches all required NFs.

  4. Establishing Internal Connections

    • Ensures inter-NF communication using SBA interfaces.

  5. Finalizing Deployment

    • Performs a stability check and completes the 5G Core initialization.

Fig: One-click core deployment progress in the dashboard.

Step 3: Verify Deployment Logs

Scroll to the Logs Panel to observe system messages such as:

  • AMF started successfully
  • NRF registration completed
  • All NFs connected
  • Core deployment finalized

These logs confirm successful automatic deployment.

Troubleshooting & Validation

Step 4: Test Connectivity Between NFs Using Ping

You can confirm whether NFs are reachable using the built-in ping terminal.

1. Open the NF Terminal

  1. Select the NF you want to test (e.g., AMF).
  2. Scroll down the configuration panel.
  3. Click Open Command Prompt / Terminal.

2. Perform Ping Test

  1. In the terminal input field, enter the command:

    ping <Target_NF_IP>

    Example:

    ping 192.168.1.21

  2. Click Enter to execute the ping.

Fig: Ping test terminal verifying NF connectivity.

3. Analyze the Results

A successful test will show:

  • Continuous reply messages (e.g., "Reply from 192.168.1.16…")
  • 0% packet loss
  • Stable latency

This confirms that:

  • Both NFs are active
  • The network path is functioning
  • Core communication is stable