Optimized Functional Splitting and Resource Deployment in Smart Wireless Edge vRAN

The rapid growth of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) requires wireless networks to be low-latency, cost-effective, and resource-efficient. Traditional centralized RAN (C-RAN) in IIoT-driven wireless private networks is challenged by high transmission costs and low resource utilization. Virtualized RAN (vRAN) and edge networks enhance performance through function splitting and dynamic CU placement, yet conventional methods often overlook IIoT-specific costs and needs. This paper proposes an innovative model for industrial wireless private networks, employing dynamic CU placement at Layer 1 or Layer 2 based on network conditions and IIoT application characteristics to optimize resource allocation. It also includes IIoT-tailored function splitting and a comprehensive cost model incorporating IIoT-specific factors, mitigating inefficiencies often overlooked by traditional approaches. Analysis of four strategies and numerical validation demonstrate a 20.8% cost reduction, balancing latency, bandwidth, and efficiency, making it promising for future IIoT-driven vRAN deployments.