Developing the ability to simulate network functions and their interfaces is crucial for the INDIGO project. These tools allow us to test the secure control architecture and management interfaces of a network, ensuring quality assurance and performance during development. They help identify potential issues, optimize configurations, and avoid disruptions before deploying changes to the physical network.

Simulation Tools: Simulation tools create a virtual network, enabling us to test various scenarios and changes in a controlled environment. They allow us to:

• Evaluate network performance under different loads.
• Test new configurations or protocols.
• Identify bottlenecks before deploying changes.
• Train network engineers in troubleshooting and other skills.
• Implement standard interface changes rapidly for prototyping and innovation.

Emulation Tools: Emulation tools replicate the physical network environment, allowing us to test and validate changes in real-world contexts. They help:

• Test new devices or software upgrades.
• Identify and fix compatibility issues.
• Validate new configurations’ performance.
• Simulate cyber-attacks to identify vulnerabilities and test responses.
• Train personnel on detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber-attacks.

Digital Twin Concept: Simulation tools can evolve into a Digital Twin, a simulated network that mirrors the real network from a management perspective. Continuously updated with real-time data, the Digital Twin can:

• Predict network performance.
• Identify bottlenecks.
• Optimize resource allocation.
• Plan network expansions or upgrades.
• Test disaster scenarios to improve network resilience.

Combining Open-Source and Commercial Tools: Using existing open-source tools like the O1 Simulator from the O-RAN Software Community and ns-3 simulator, we can incrementally enhance our simulation capabilities. Initially, we simulate management and control planes separately, ensuring basic connectivity. Gradually, simulated network functions become aware of each other, improving data realism. Combining open-source tools with commercial simulators allows rapid prototyping and robust implementation, moving closer to the Digital Twin concept.

Future Integration: Future steps include integrating commercial UE simulators/emulators and simulated or open-source 5G core networks to include the data plane in network simulation. This comprehensive approach helps optimize shared spectrum configurations and identify potential conflicts, improving overall network performance and reliability.