An SDR 5G Stand-Alone Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) Network to Provide ViNR and VoNR using SIP Kamailio Server

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14209/jcis.2026.9

Keywords:

5G networks, Multi-edge-computing, Software-Defined-Radio, IP-Multimedia-Subsystem

Abstract

This paper presents a significant contribution to the field of 5G networking through the development and deployment of a Software-Defined Radio (SDR)-based 5G Stand-Alone (SA) network leveraging the Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) paradigm. Designed to deliver high-quality voice and video services using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Kamailio Server, our implementation significantly reduces latency by integrating Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) and Docker containerized elements onto a single workstation, enhancing the efficiency of 5G Core operations. Built entirely on open-source projects, the proposed mobile network successfully provides both Voice-overNew Radio (VoNR) and Video-over-New Radio (ViNR) services using SDR. Notably, this work introduces the first publicly available ViNR prototype for a comprehensive 5G SDR solution, thereby filling a gap in existing research and development. We further detail a complete end-to-end call flow for both VoNR and ViNR, utilizing SIP Kamailio, and provide a valuable resource for researchers and developers. The performance of the proposed network is evaluated through Quality of Service (QoS) metrics, and the computational resource allocation is analyzed. We utilize two smartphones as representatives of typical mobile users to simulate their behavior. The results are then comprehensively compared with those obtained from a high-tech radio communication test station platform, a platform commonly used for certifying terminals, chipsets, and devices against 3GPP standards. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed SDR MEC network exhibits performance closely aligned with that of the robust, established test platform, validating its effectiveness in controlled environments. This research significantly advances the state-of-the-art in 5G SDR MEC networks by providing scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for delivering IP multimedia services, with a particular focus on enabling and optimizing Video-over-New Radio (ViNR).

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Author Biographies

Jussif Abularach Arnez, Sidia Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia

Jussif Abularach Arnez received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Telecommunications from the Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo in La Paz, Bolivia, in 2010. He completed a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Communications Systems at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RJ) in 2014, conducting research on the applicability of Cognitive Radio in LTE 4G mobile systems and the Brazilian Digital TV System (SBTVD) within the 700 MHz frequency band. In 2019, he earned a PhD in Propagation and Applied Electromagnetism from PUC-RJ, where his work focused on Cognitive Radio networks through computational simulations and laboratory measurements utilizing MATLAB, Python, and C++. His research interests include the SIP Kamailio Server, Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology, the GNU Radio open-source project, and the GNU Radio Companion (GRC) simulator, with an emphasis on virtualizing network functions for mobile communication networks. He currently serves as a Technical Specialist at SIDIA Science and Technological Institute, with expertise in 5G mobile networks and the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS).

Walmir Acioli E. Silva, Sidia Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia

He currently is a PhD student by the Postgraduate Program in Electrical Engineering of the Federal University of Amazonas-PPGEEUFAM. He received his MSc. from the Postgraduate Program in Electrical Engineering of the Federal University of Amazonas-PPGEE-UFAM (2019). He is graduated in Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Amazonas - UFAM (2016) and Computer Technician from the Federal Institute of Education of Amazonas - IFAM in 2008. Has experience in Electrical Engineering, focusing on
Systems Control and Automation, acting mainly on the following approaches: vehicle automation, smart environments, and cyber-physical systems. He was a Professor of Technical Education in Automation at FUCAPI when he lectured on programming logic subjects, programmable microcontrollers, and controllers. He is currently a software developer and researcher at SIDIA Science and Technological Institute working on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) team with the following roles: R&D; issues analysis, laboratory testing of IMS multimedia services e.g. ViLTE, VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling (Vowi-Fi), Supplementary Services and Rich Communication Service (RCS). ORCID: 0000-0002-5005-7270.

Maria Gabriela Lima Damasceno, Sidia Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia

She currently master’s student in Computer Science at the Informatics Center (CIN) from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the State University of Amazonas (UEA). Research focuses on Computer Networks, with an emphasis on 5G and 6G network technologies. Professionally engaged in Software Development for IMS networks on embedded Android
systems, specializing in Emergency Calls in IMS networks at Sidia Institute of Science and Technology.
Experience includes the deployment and enhancement of critical communication solutions, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of emergency calls. Works with advanced protocols and standards to ensure interoperability and rapid response in emergency situations, contributing to public safety and the continuous improvement of communication networks. Extensive experience with telecommunications technical standards, including IMS/SIP (3GPP TS 24.229), IMS Emergency Call (3GPP TS 23.167), SIP (RFC 3261), and URN Emergency Call (RFC 5031). ORCID: 0009-0009-5586-4053.

Fabrício Falcão de Souza Oliveira, Sidia Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia

He was a finalist in the Electrical Engineering course at the State University of Amazonas (UEA) and was active in the technology sector. He interned at Sidia Institute of Science and Technology, having as scope the performance of activities related to the provision of network services related to the IP Multimedia
Subsystem (IMS) architecture, as well as working on research and developing of articles related to
the services offered by the IMS architecture. Also, he has experience using Linux Operating System,
Embedded Android, communication protocols, operation of bench instruments for tests, mobile networks (3G, 4G, and 5G), code versioning, programming languages and agile methodologies. Currently, he is a software developer at SIDIA Institute of Science and Technology. ORCID: 0009-0008-6370-6955.

Leandro Almeida Da Silva, Sidia Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia

He currently is a master’s student in the Postgraduate Program in Computer Science at the Federal University of Amazonas - PPGI-UFAM. Graduated in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Telecommunications from UFAM and currently a Software Developer at Sidia Institute
of Science and Technology. He has over 2 years of experience in Android Mobile development
(Java/C++) with a focus on IMS services and related technologies, notably VoLTE/VoNR, VoWiFi,
SMS/MMS/RCS, and supplementary services (USSI/XCAP). In addition, he has experience with the RIL/Telephony framework and its interaction with the hardware modem. He is currently pursuing a
postgraduate degree in Software Engineering with an emphasis on Java programming and algorithms and the entire process of design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance, and improvement of software. ORCID: 0009-0000-3222-8972.

Caio Bezerra De Souza, Sidia Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia

Caio Bruno Bezerra De Souza he is a PhD student in Computer Science at the Informatics Center (CIN) from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). In 2023 he received his MSc in Computer Science at the Informatics Center (CIN) from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). In 2020, he received his BSc in Computer Science from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) in 2020. His areas of interest are Computer Networks, 5G Networks, URLLC and Wireless Network Virtualization. He worked as a software developer and researcher at SIDIA Science and Technological Institute in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) team performing 3GPP Protocol Analysis and Development - IMS VILTE deployment, VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling (Vowifi), Supplementary Services and RCS. At present, he is a professor at the University of Pernambuco (UPE). ORCID: 0000-0002-4187-1078.

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Published

2026-04-02

How to Cite

Abularach Arnez, J., Acioli E. Silva, W., Lima Damasceno, M. G., Falcão de Souza Oliveira, F., Almeida Da Silva, L., & Bezerra De Souza, C. (2026). An SDR 5G Stand-Alone Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) Network to Provide ViNR and VoNR using SIP Kamailio Server. Journal of Communication and Information Systems, 41(1), 83–102. https://doi.org/10.14209/jcis.2026.9

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Regular Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Jussif Abularach Arnez, Walmir Acioli E. Silva, Maria Gabriela Lima Damasceno, Fabrício Falcão de Souza Oliveira, Leandro Almeida Da Silva, Caio Bezerra De Souza (Author)

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Received 2025-07-03
Accepted 2026-03-29
Published 2026-04-02