SDR-Based Prototyping for 5G NR Rel-15

Abstract

Software Defined Radio (SDR) has emerged as a flexible and powerful platform for prototyping and testing emerging wireless communication standards, including 5G New Radio (NR) Release 15. The 5G NR Rel-15 standard, finalized by 3GPP in 2018, introduces a comprehensive set of features designed to support enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency communications, and massive machine-type communications. However, validating these novel physical layer and protocol enhancements requires versatile prototyping tools capable of real-time processing and rapid reconfiguration. SDR platforms, which leverage general-purpose processors and programmable hardware (e.g., FPGAs), provide such capabilities, enabling researchers and developers to implement and evaluate 5G NR algorithms and waveforms with high fidelity. This paper presents a detailed overview of SDR-based prototyping approaches tailored for 5G NR Rel-15. We analyze the critical design considerations, including waveform generation, frame structure, numerology, channel coding, and beamforming, implemented on state-of-the-art SDR platforms. The methodology emphasizes real-time processing constraints, hardware-software partitioning, and the use of open-source 5G stacks to accelerate development cycles. Several case studies demonstrate the implementation of key 5G NR features such as flexible subcarrier spacing, dynamic TDD, and massive MIMO beamforming on SDR testbeds. The results illustrate the effectiveness of SDR for rapid prototyping, revealing practical insights into latency, throughput, and system integration challenges. We discuss trade-offs between computational complexity and real-time performance, and highlight how SDR frameworks can support iterative algorithm refinement and standard compliance testing. The study concludes with perspectives on leveraging SDR platforms to bridge the gap between simulation and commercial deployment, fostering innovation in 5G research and development.