Modular Design and Experimental Evaluation of 5G Mobile Cell Architectures Based on Overlay and Integrated Models

This paper presents the concept, architectural design, and performance evaluation of a 5G Mobile Cell (MC) used to provide 5G wireless connectivity to User Equipment (UE) in areas with limited fixed 5G infrastructures or subject to adverse radio conditions. We consider two main approaches to MC design: an overlay model, where the MC obtains backhaul connectivity from a 5G overlay network, and an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)-based model, discussing their protocol stacks and architectural implications. In order to validate the MC's performance, we employ an emulation-based testbed using the OpenAirInterface (OAI) implementation, considering different MC positions. The results validate the MC concept and demonstrate that MC positioning significantly influences network performance. This paper has the potential to aid network operators and service providers in selecting and deploying MC architectures for temporary coverage extension and capacity reinforcement in different environments, including seaports, industrial scenarios, and public safety.