The Micro-Operator paradigm enables organizations to deploy small-scale 5G base stations to serve the particular needs of their consumers, while also serving as neutral hosts for large-scale operators.

The Micro-Operator paradigm was investigated in a laboratory environment, using Software Defined Radio (SDR) devices and open-source software to deploy an Open-RAN-compliant 5G base station. Specifically, the srsRAN software is used to manage the SDR devices, while the Open5GS software provides core network functionalities.

In the context of the NANCY project, two scenarios were investigated, namely a cyberattack detection scenario and an inter-operator service exchange scenario. To run these scenarios, a laboratory testbed was deployed which consists of two 5G networks, respectively for the Micro-Operator and the public operator. Of note, the Micro-Operator and the public operator are connected through a 5G connection.