Nephio-Orchestrated Private 5G: SD-Core, Edge UPF & OCUDU-RAN Across Split 7.2x and Split 8
This demonstration presents a Nephio-orchestrated cloud-native Private 5G platform integrating Aether SD-Core, BESS Edge UPF, and OCUDU-RAN with both Split 8 and Split 7.2x real-radio architectures. A real COTS UE successfully attaches to the network, establishes a PDU session, and accesses the internet in both configurations. The system utilizes declarative lifecycle management, allowing radio architecture changes through intent while maintaining consistency in core network elements, addressing, and network slices. Key implementation details include Configuration as Data with GitOps reconciliation, bare-metal Kubernetes provisioning, and host-level datapath actuation for network functions. This approach aims to provide a unified cloud-native lifecycle extending from the core network through the RAN and physical radio infrastructure.