NoSQL stores for coreless mobile networks

The goals of 5G networks — low latency, high bandwidth, and support for fast mobility — are non-trivial and they demand improvements across all involved technology fields. Researchers are therefore exploring approaches that leverage on network function virtualization and software-defined networking for meeting the demands of verticals expected to use 5G networks. One approach which appears promising is the concept of a coreless mobile network where the key network functions are placed at the edge of the network. In this article we focus on management of the user-context state in a coreless mobile network, and posit that these network functions can use a NoSQL data store for maintaining the user-context and other state variables. We first present an overview of promising NoSQL data stores and evaluate their suitability. We then present the results of benchmarking the Apache Geode data store as an example of a state management solution which could serve a coreless mobile network. During our tests we observe that the Apache Geode data store is, subject to its configuration, capable of delivering the data model, consistency, and high availability required by a coreless mobile network.Peer reviewe

Data Consistency in the 5G Specification

International audienceMeeting the goals of 5G networks-high bandwidth, low latency, massive connectivity, and resiliency demands improvements to the infrastructure that hosts the network components. Mobile Network Operators will rely on a geographically distributed and highly scalable infrastructure that must handle and replicate user data consistently. This paper explores the management of user data with regards to data consistency in the first 5G specification. In particular we will focus on how the 5G system procedures handle and update data, and discuss failure scenarios where the correctness properties of the user data may be violated. In this work we present the necessary properties that an underlying data store must deliver in order to maintain correctness in the presence of failures