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HEXAeBPF: The Future of Interoperable eBPF Defined 5G Core (eDC)

Empowering the next generation of 5G core deployments with simplicity, interoperability, and automation.

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Introduction

HEXAeBPF is a Kubernetes (K8s) Operator designed to redefine how open-source 5G core networks are deployed and managed. By integrating and automating the deployment of Control Plane (CP) from Vendor A and eBPF-based User Plane (UP) from Vendor B, HEXAeBPF enables seamless, end-to-end 5G lab setups with minimal effort. Whether you're a telecom researcher, developer, or operator, HEXAeBPF simplifies deployment processes, fosters interoperability, and accelerates the evolution of 5G core networks.

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Key Features

• Interoperable 5G Core Solution: Integrates CP from one vendor with UP from another, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Zero Effort Deployment: Automates deployment with no prior technical knowledge required.
• One-Click Deployment (OCD): A single command sets up the entire 5G core solution.
• Interactive CLI: User-friendly terminal interface for configuration and management.
• E2E Connectivity: Full integration with RAN simulators for end-to-end testing.
• Open Source Accessibility: Promotes collaboration and innovation in the telecom industry.

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Advantages

1. Interoperability: Modular design allows seamless integration between various open-source CP and eUP components.
2. Efficiency and Speed: eBPF-based UPF optimizes performance, while one-click deployment drastically reduces setup time.
3. Future-Ready: Aligns with the dynamic nature of 5G, ensuring adaptability to modern network demands.
4. Open Source Collaboration: A community-driven approach fosters continuous innovation in 5G core solutions.

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Why HEXAeBPF is Built as a Kubernetes Operator?

Kubernetes Operators are ideal for automated, scalable, and flexible management. HEXAeBPF leverages this technology to provide:

• Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs): Simplified configuration of CP and eUP components.
• Automated Lifecycle Management: Handles scaling, updates, and self-healing tasks seamlessly.
• Consistency and Reliability: Ensures uniform deployment and management across diverse environments.
• Reduced Complexity: Abstracts complex networking and configuration challenges.

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How HEXAeBPF Works

1. Choose your desired Control Plane.
2. Select a compatible eBPF-based User Plane that works seamlessly with your chosen Control Plane.
3. Pick the supported RAN Simulator for end-to-end testing.
4. Tada! That’s all you need to do—your E2E deployment will be ready within minutes!

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Deployment

Simplified deployment is the cornerstone of HEXAeBPF. Use the following command for an interactive CLI experience:

git clone https://github.com/coranlabs/HEXAeBPF.git ~/
cd ~/HEXAeBPF
make run_hexaebpf

CLI Demo:

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Supported Topologies

Combined Phases

Control Plane	User Plane	RAN Simulator
Aether SD Core	edgecomllc/eUPF	UERANSIM
Free5gc	edgecomllc/eUPF	UERANSIM
Open5GS	edgecomllc/eUPF	UERANSIM
OAI	OAI-UPF-eBPF	OAI-RFSimulator
Aether SD Core	OAI-UPF-eBPF	UERANSIM
Free5gc	OAI-UPF-eBPF	UERANSIM
Open5GS	OAI-UPF-eBPF	UERANSIM
OAI	edgecomllc/eUPF	OAI-RFSimulator
Aether SD Core	e3-UPF	UERANSIM
Free5gc	e3-UPF	UERANSIM
Open5GS	e3-UPF	UERANSIM
OAI	e3-UPF	UERANSIM

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Vision

HEXAeBPF is more than an operator; it's a gateway to:

• Flexible 5G Core Design: Empower users to build custom CP and UP solutions effortlessly.
• Industry Innovation: Promote 5G awareness and adoption in labs and enterprises.
• Future Connectivity: Foster collaboration and open-source development in 5G telecom ecosystems.

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Contribute

HEXAeBPF is a community-driven project, and your contributions are welcome! Whether you’re a developer, researcher, or network operator, join us in shaping the future of 5G core networks.

How to Contribute

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature/bugfix.
3. Submit a pull request with detailed information about your changes.

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Tutorial and Documentation

• Coming in Future Releases:

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License

This project is licensed under AGPL-3.0 License. See LICENSE for more details.

Licensing Notice

HEXAeBPF integrates the following open-source components:

• Open5GS (AGPL-3.0): Requires HEXAeBPF to comply with AGPL-3.0.
• Free5GC, eupf, SD-Core (Apache 2.0): These components impose permissive conditions.
• OAI (OAI Public License v1.1): Limited to research/study unless separately negotiated.

Users must ensure compliance with these licenses when using HEXAeBPF. Check here to know more.

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Code of Conduct

HEXAeBPF adheres to the GitHub Open Source Code of Conduct. By contributing, you agree to uphold this standard.