961 research outputs found
Design and experimental validation of a software-defined radio access network testbed with slicing support
Network slicing is a fundamental feature of 5G systems to partition a single network into a number of segregated logical networks, each optimized for a particular type of service or dedicated to a particular customer or application. The realization of network slicing is particularly challenging in the Radio Access Network (RAN) part, where multiple slices can be multiplexed over the same radio channel and Radio Resource Management (RRM) functions shall be used to split the cell radio resources and achieve the expected behaviour per slice. In this context, this paper describes the key design and implementation aspects of a Software-Defined RAN (SD-RAN) experimental testbed with slicing support. The testbed has been designed consistently with the slicing capabilities and related management framework established by 3GPP in Release 15. The testbed is used to demonstrate the provisioning of RAN slices (e.g., preparation, commissioning, and activation phases) and the operation of the implemented RRM functionality for slice-aware admission control and scheduling.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
Design and Experimental Validation of a Software-Defined Radio Access Network Testbed with Slicing Support
Network slicing is a fundamental feature of 5G systems to partition a single
network into a number of segregated logical networks, each optimized for a
particular type of service, or dedicated to a particular customer or
application. The realization of network slicing is particularly challenging in
the Radio Access Network (RAN) part, where multiple slices can be multiplexed
over the same radio channel and Radio Resource Management (RRM) functions shall
be used to split the cell radio resources and achieve the expected behaviour
per slice. In this context, this paper describes the key design and
implementation aspects of a Software-Defined RAN (SD-RAN) experimental testbed
with slicing support. The testbed has been designed consistently with the
slicing capabilities and related management framework established by 3GPP in
Release 15. The testbed is used to demonstrate the provisioning of RAN slices
(e.g. preparation, commissioning and activation phases) and the operation of
the implemented RRM functionality for slice-aware admission control and
scheduling
Enhancing Network Slicing Architectures with Machine Learning, Security, Sustainability and Experimental Networks Integration
Network Slicing (NS) is an essential technique extensively used in 5G
networks computing strategies, mobile edge computing, mobile cloud computing,
and verticals like the Internet of Vehicles and industrial IoT, among others.
NS is foreseen as one of the leading enablers for 6G futuristic and highly
demanding applications since it allows the optimization and customization of
scarce and disputed resources among dynamic, demanding clients with highly
distinct application requirements. Various standardization organizations, like
3GPP's proposal for new generation networks and state-of-the-art 5G/6G research
projects, are proposing new NS architectures. However, new NS architectures
have to deal with an extensive range of requirements that inherently result in
having NS architecture proposals typically fulfilling the needs of specific
sets of domains with commonalities. The Slicing Future Internet Infrastructures
(SFI2) architecture proposal explores the gap resulting from the diversity of
NS architectures target domains by proposing a new NS reference architecture
with a defined focus on integrating experimental networks and enhancing the NS
architecture with Machine Learning (ML) native optimizations, energy-efficient
slicing, and slicing-tailored security functionalities. The SFI2 architectural
main contribution includes the utilization of the slice-as-a-service paradigm
for end-to-end orchestration of resources across multi-domains and
multi-technology experimental networks. In addition, the SFI2 reference
architecture instantiations will enhance the multi-domain and multi-technology
integrated experimental network deployment with native ML optimization,
energy-efficient aware slicing, and slicing-tailored security functionalities
for the practical domain.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figure
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