Attachment_II_-_Specifications.docx

Attachment II

SPECIFICATIONS

Virtual Evolved Packet Core and Virtual 5G Core

NB 672050-19-02950

Requisitioner Contact Information:

LAB REQUESTING SERVICE: Shared Spectrum Metrology Group, Radio Frequency Technology Division, Communications Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology

BACKGROUND:

The Communications Technology Laboratory is in the process of expanding its research efforts related to spectrum sharing. This research spans a broad area covering topics associated with distributed spectrum sensing, signal propagation, interference between devices and networks, and evaluating a device’s ability to share spectrum. As one of the most prolific technologies currently in use today, Long Term Evolution (LTE 4G) technology and 5G New Radio (5G NR) are significant factors in almost all proposed spectrum sharing scenarios. To research the use of LTE and NR systems in shared spectrum environments, the procurement of commercial LTE, Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC), NR backhaul, and virtual 5G Core (v5GC) software tools are an essential part of our portfolio. These tools will leverage the E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) already owned by NIST and will be used inside a NIST laboratory. We envision using these tools for both conducted and radiated User Equipment (UE) research for LTE and NR systems. The radiated testing will take place inside a shielded test chamber.

As this is a research effort (and not a commercial deployment), having the ability to use the vEPC and v5GC to bring eNBs and 5G Node Bs (gNB) on-air are essential to have a working LTE and NR system.

PURPOSE:

NIST is looking to procure commercial LTE vEPC and NR v5GC emulators. The tools will be installed inside a NIST laboratory on NIST owned hardware (e.g., server) and connected to commercial eNBs, gNBs, and UEs.

NIST will supply the computer necessary to operate the tool. Given the nature of our research, we are interested in only one instance of the tool.

SPECIFICATIONS:

The Contractor shall provide one (1) LTE Virtual EPC and one (1) Virtual 5GC software emulator tools that meets the following minimum technical requirements as described below.

1. The software shall have the following technical characteristics:

1.1. Support HSS (Home Subscriber Server), MME (Mobility Management Entity) , SGW (Serving Gateway) , PGW( Packet Data Network Gateway) and PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), IMS ( IP Multimedia Subsystem) for LTE.

1.2. Support Access and Mobility Management function (AWF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF). Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), NF repository function (NRF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM) and Application Function (AF) for 5G NR.

1.3. Support release 13 of 3GPP specifications (or newer) for vEPC, and release 15 of 3GPP specifications (or newer) for v5GC.

1.4. Support eNBs and gNBs from major manufacturers (e.g., Nokia, Ericsson, etc.)

1.5. Support inter and intra cells Hand Overs (HO).

1.6. Support up to 500 virtual or real UEs.

1.7. Support the provisioning and connection of UEs from major manufacturers (e.g., Apple, Samsung, Sony, etc.)

1.8. Support UEs with VOLTE capability to attach to vEPC/v5GC.

1.9. Support ability to connect the UEs to internet and other application servers (e.g., Iperf).

1.10. Support multiple Access Point Name (APN)s.

1.11. Support multiple Quality of Service (QOS)s for each UEs.

1.12. The software tool shall be compatible with the Windows 10 or Linux operating system. NIST will install the software on a computer or server. The license must be portable to other NIST owned computers or servers.

1.13. The software shall support basic functionality via the use of an automated script (e.g., Python). Such basic functions include to begin collecting logs and the ability to stop collection of logs.

1.14. The software shall be capable of converting the collected logs to text or comma separated variable (.csv) file formats.

1.15. The provided software shall be the most current stable release available from the manufacturer.

1.16. The Contractor shall install and configure the software to work with at least one NIST owned eNB and one UE. This installation may be performed on-site, or remotely.

1.17. Support NSA (non-standalone) and SA (standalone) NR (new radio 5G).

2. The Contractor shall provide a license for the software with the following characteristics:

2.1. The license for this tool must be provided on a USB dongle (or similar). The computer using this software tool shall not be required to connect to the internet to activate or “check-out” a license. The license (or license dongle) must be capable of being transported for use in another machine. Support for simultaneous use on multiple machines is not required (i.e., only a single dongle is required).

2.2. The license for this software tool shall be perpetual in nature and have no required annual (or otherwise recurring) licensing expenses. Future software updates and technical support are excluded from this requirement.

3. Software technical support shall be provided as part of the system for three years. This support shall be available during normal business hours. No after-hours support is required.

4. To the extent that software updates become available, they shall be provided to NIST for period of three years.

5. The Contractor shall include the cost of shipping to the NIST site in Boulder, CO.

DELIVERY:

1. Delivery shall be not later than (NLT) thirty (30) days ARO. Early delivery is acceptable if mutually agreed upon the Government’s ability to receive at an earlier date.

2. Delivery shall be FOB:

NIST

325 Broadway Boulder CO, 80305.

INSTALLATION:

The Contractor shall install and configure the software to work with at least one NIST owned eNB and one UE. This installation may be performed on-site, or remotely.

TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE:

1. The Shared Spectrum Metrology Group (672.05) will inspect and test the vEPC and NR v5GC emulators to ensure they meet the requirements listed in SPECIFICATIONS.

2. Final acceptance will be determined within 7 calendar days after delivery.

WARRANTY:

Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, a three-year warranty and support agreement for software provided. The agreement shall cover all parts, labor and travel (if required). The warranty shall commence upon successful completion of delivery, installation, deployment and demonstration of all required specifications.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS:

N/A