SDAP-based QoS Flow Multiplexing Support in Simu5G for 5G NR Simulation

2025-08-18

AI Summary

Existing 5G simulation frameworks (e.g., Simu5G) lack support for the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), hindering accurate modeling of QoS-flow-based multiplexing and scheduling in 5G NR. To address this, we propose and implement a modular, standards-compliant SDAP extension for Simu5G. Our design supports concurrent multiple QoS Flow Identifiers (QFIs), configurable DRB mapping, flow-aware scheduling, and QFI marking/header processing—enabling fine-grained isolation and differentiated service simulation of QoS flows over shared DRBs. Built upon OMNeT++, the end-to-end protocol stack validates feasibility for ultra-low-latency services, industrial-grade QoS configuration, and flow-level scheduling policies. Experimental evaluation confirms improved fidelity in modeling complex QoS scenarios. This work significantly enhances Simu5G’s modeling accuracy and practical utility for next-generation 5G network research and evaluation.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Plan Execution and Monitoring
• Search and Optimization: Sampling/Simulation-based Search
• Application Domains: Mobility, Driving & Flight

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Data management and stream processing for Web, mobile and wireless applications
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Web data generation and simulation
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: User modeling and simulation for interactive and conversational systems

Abstract

The Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) plays a central role in 5G New Radio (NR), acting as a bridge between the core and radio networks, by enabling QoS Flow multiplexing over shared Data Radio Bearers (DRBs). However, most 5G simulation frameworks, including the popular OMNet++-based Simu5G, lack SDAP support, limiting their ability to model realistic QoS behavior. This paper presents a modular, standardscompliant SDAP extension for Simu5G. The implementation includes core elements such as QoS Flow Identifer (QFI) flow tagging, SDAP header insertion/removal, and configurable logical DRB mapping. The proposed design supports multi-QFI simulation scenarios and enables researchers to model differentiated QoS flows and flowaware scheduling policies. Validation results confirm correct SDAP behavior and pave the way for advanced 5G simulations involving per-flow isolation, latency-sensitive traffic, and industrial QoS profiles.

Problem

• Lack of SDAP support in 5G simulation frameworks like Simu5G
• Inability to model realistic QoS behavior without SDAP
• Need for modular SDAP extension to simulate multi-QFI scenarios

Innovation

• Modular SDAP extension for Simu5G
• QFI flow tagging and DRB mapping
• Supports multi-QFI simulation scenarios