Core HyperTwin: A Core Network Digital Twin Enabler

Marcos Lima Romero, Diego Senese, Eduardo Leite, Jeferson Schiavinato, Danilo Tocantins Costa, Ricardo Suyama

DOI: 10.14209/sbrt.2024.1571033782

Evento: XLII Simpósio Brasileiro de Telecomunicações e Processamento de Sinais (SBrT2024)

Keywords: Digital Twin Core Network Network Simulation Open-source

Abstract

Core Networks in Mobile Network Operators always faced an enormous complexity due to the new generations that come every decade and now have to deal with the convergence of multiple generations of technology (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) and soon the 6G. This complexity makes it difficult to thoroughly test, validate, and ensure the security of new solutions, features, or configurations. To address this, we introduce Core HyperTwin, a platform that leverages a practical implementation of the Digital Twin concept to enable realistic simulations and flexible testing environments. By implementing key protocols such as Diameter, HTTP/2, SOAP, and GTP, and utilizing open-source Python components, Core HyperTwin empowers operators to reduce their time-to-market, accelerate innovation, and improve network security without impacting real customers. As a proof of concept, we successfully emulated a P-GW communicating with a PCRF using a client hosted in a virtual machine within the NFV infrastructure in the same IP network that established a Diameter link, sent customized messages opening a 3GPP Gx session, opening a legitimate 3GPP Sy session with the OCS, as if initiated by a real customer, updated these sessions, and terminated it. The tests already suggested improvements in the security and allowed new feature analysis that was not possible before without using real user traffic. The next steps include leveraging the solution to interconnect with different emulated elements, test security vulnerabilities, perform stress tests of TPS, model real traffic shapes, and benchmark different vendor solutions.

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