Comparative Performance Analysis of free5GC and Open5GS Core Networks Using UERANSIM Integration

The rapid evolution of 5G technology has emphasized the significance of open-source solutions in enabling flexible and cost-effective network deployments. This thesis presents a comparative performance analysis of two prominent open-source 5G core implementations—free5GC and Open5GS—integrated with UERANSIM, a simulation tool for realistic 5G network environments. The study evaluates these implementations under various network scenarios, focusing on scalability, throughput, latency, and resource utilization. Performance tests, including registration and session establishment times, data plane throughput, and CPU/RAM usage, were conducted across controlled environments with varying loads and user equipment (UE) densities. The findings highlight the strengths and limitations of each core: free5GC demonstrates superior peak throughput capabilities, while Open5GS exhibits better scalability and stability under high user densities. By analyzing the comparative results, this work provides valuable insights for optimizing 5G core network deployments, guiding future enhancements of open-source 5G technologies. Recommendations are also presented for scenarios requiring specific performance characteristics, ensuring practical relevance and application of the research.