  In 3GPP the architecture of a New Radio Access Network (New RAN) has been
defined where the evolved NodeB (eNB) functions can be split between a
Distributed Unit (DU) and Central Unit (CU). Furthermore, in the virtual RAN
(VRAN) approach, such functions can be virtualized (e.g., in simple terms,
deployed in virtual machines). Based on the split type, different performance
in terms of capacity and latency are requested to the network (i.e., fronthaul)
connecting DU and CU.
  This study experimentally evaluates, in the 5G segment of the Advanced
Research on NetwOrking (ARNO) testbed (ARNO-5G), the fronthaul latency
requirements specified by Standard Developing Organizations (SDO) (3GPP in this
specific case). Moreover it evaluates how much virtualization impacts the
fronthaul latency budget for the the Option 7-1 functional split.
  The obtained results show that, in the considered Option 7-1 functional
split, the fronthaul latency requirements are about 250us but they depend on
the radio channel bandwidth and the number of the connected UEs. Finally
virtualization further decreases the latency budget.
