The deployment of User Plane Function (UPF) at the network edge—commonly referred to as Edge-UPF—is gaining attention in the context of 5G networks, particularly for its potential to reduce latency and improve data handling efficiency. This thesis focuses on evaluating the performance and security aspects of Edge-UPF solutions, specifically within a roaming use case where user traffic traverses between different network operators.

A key aspect of the investigation is the trade-off between user plane latency, which affects data throughput and responsiveness, and control plane latency, which influences session setup and mobility management. Understanding this balance is especially relevant in roaming scenarios, where control signaling may remain centralized while user data is offloaded closer to the edge.

The practical part of the thesis is based on a testbed setup using Open5GS as the core network implementation and UERANSIM as the simulated radio access network. These tools enable controlled experiments to measure performance metrics such as latency, throughput, and resource usage under different deployment configurations. Basic security considerations related to edge deployment are also discussed.

The goal of this work is to provide a clear and structured evaluation of Edge-UPF behavior in a roaming context, contributing to a better understanding of its practical implications and limitations.

The introduction of 5G technology is transforming the telecommunications industry, offering enhanced connectivity and supporting advanced use cases such as IoT, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, and enhanced mobile broadband. 

A key challenge in this ecosystem is enabling seamless 5G roaming between different mobile network operators (MNOs) across borders, which requires reliable interconnection via IP eXchange (IPX) networks.

This research internship aims to explore the feasibility of using Mininet, a network emulation tool, in conjunction with Open5GS, an open-source 5G core network implementation, to simulate basic IPX functionalities for supporting 5G Standalone (SA) roaming use cases. 

The focus will be on setting up the system, adding support for needed protocols and integrating the Mininet-IPX-setup into the current LKN 5G Roaming Testbed.

Prerequisites

5G is the newest generation of mobile networks allowing for higher data-rates, lower latency and many new features like network slicing. Its central element is the 5G Core, which is a network of specialised Network Functions (NFs). Roaming allows subscribers to connect to the internet via other network operator’s networks if they have a roaming agreement. We are looking for a student to help implement and maintain a 5G Roaming testbed. At first, that is planned as an open source testbed leveraging Open5GS. Later, the plan is to connect this open source testbed to the LKN campus network.

This working student position may run parallel to Master Theses with more focused implementation and evaluation works. The working student is welcome to follow up on this work with his/ her own research internship or Master’s thesis.

Objectives

The primary objective of this work is to help implement and maintain a 5G Roaming testbed. This testbed shall then be used for investigation of security mechansims and performance measurements. Those are not the main job of the student, but the student is supposed to help.

1. Work into 5G Roaming

2. Implement missing Roaming functionalities into Open5GS

3. Maintain Roaming Testbed

4. Connect open source 5G Roaming testbed with Campus Network (once possible)

5. Aid in security investigations

6. Aid in performance measurements

7. Potentially add other NFs later

Prerequisites