The deployment of 5G mobile networks has begun in earnest. The 5G network is built on a service-based architecture (SBA) which enables programmability of the control plane of 5G Core (5GC) and supports network slicing (NS) in both core and access networks. NS enables the creation of multiple, isolated network slices tailored for specific services with diverse KPI objectives. SBA of 5GC facilitates core network user plane functions (UPF) being deployed near the network edge, which has triggered intense interest in edge activities such as Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), whereas the traditional Self-Organizing Network (SON) functions are being enhanced continuously in 5G RAN. Meanwhile, the development of open and smart RAN led by an industry alliance, O-RAN, has received great attention. In this short paper we would like to sort out if and how all of the above would fit together in a consistent and efficient manner regarding their architecture aspects and functionalities.

中文翻译：

---

5G时代O-RAN与MEC、SON、网络切片融合的视角


5G移动网络的部署已经正式开始。 5G网络建立在基于服务的架构（SBA）之上，该架构实现了5G核心网（5GC）控制平面的可编程性，并支持核心网和接入网的网络切片（NS）。 NS 支持创建多个独立的网络切片，这些网络切片专为具有不同 KPI 目标的特定服务而定制。 5GC的SBA有利于核心网络用户平面功能（UPF）部署在网络边缘附近，这引发了人们对多接入边缘计算（MEC）等边缘活动的浓厚兴趣，而传统的自组织网络（SON）功能则难以实现。 5G RAN不断增强。与此同时，以产业联盟O-RAN为主导的开放智能RAN的发展受到高度关注。在这篇简短的论文中，我们希望弄清楚上述所有内容是否以及如何在架构方面和功能方面以一致且有效的方式组合在一起。