Evaluating Fronthaul Network Performance Under the O-RAN Paradigm: A Novel Methodology Based on Queuing Theory

Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) fosters a new networking paradigm that supports flexible and open architectures, while enabling the functional disaggregation of traditional, monolithic, base stations. Specifically, the Lower-Layer Split (LLS) option 7.2x divides the PHY layer into Low-PHY at Open -Radio Unit (O-RU) and High-PHY at Open -Distributed Unit (O-DU), leveraging the so-called open fronthaul network, which imposes stringent latency requirements. In this work, we introduce and thoroughly examine the time window relationships that define the latency budget allocated to the open fronthaul network. Additionally, we propose a novel methodology to analyze the delay experienced by a realistic traffic pattern over a spine-leaf topology, accounting for various O-DU locations and site pools. To address the increased traffic load introduced by the fronthaul, we present a theoretical model to characterize the average delay across different priority levels when open fronthaul traffic coexists with flows from other Radio Access Technologies (RATs). This model is then validated and broadened through ns-3 simulations. Our findings show the applicability of the proposed methodology, which could be exploited by network operators in the planning phase, evincing its suitability to obtain benchmark delay values, offering a reliable tool for performance evaluation in open fronthaul networks.