Optimal Service Placement with QoS Monitoring in NFV and Slicing Enabled 5G IoT Networks

Network function virtualization (NFV) and network slicing are two promising enabling technologies for 5G networks. Considering the volume of data traffic generated by Internet of things (IoT) applications and their service requirement diversity as well as that network resources are spread across different locations, it is imperative to find solutions for optimal service placement and resource allocation for quality of service (QoS) provisioning. In this paper, we address the challenges of optimal network service placement with active QoS monitoring in NFV and network slicing enabled 5G IoT networks and propose a network architecture with optimal computation and resource placement over core, local, and edge data centers. The solution is implemented through virtualized infrastructure managers where operation costs and QoS requirements are considered for service placement. Optimal algorithms are developed based on a control system hub platform with an open source management and orchestration framework. To monitor the performance during traffic runtime, virtual charmed factors are adopted for control and QoS measurement.acceptedVersio

A framework of network connectivity management in multi-clouds infrastructure

The network function virtualization (NFV) transformation is gaining an incredible momentum from mobile operators as one of the significant solutions to improve the resource allocation and system scalability in fifth-generation (5G) networks. However, the ultra-dense deployments in 5G create high volumes of traffic that pushes the physical and virtual resources of cloud-based networks to edge limits. Consider a distributed cloud, replacing the core network with virtual entities in the form of virtual network functions (VNFs) still requires efficient integration with various underlying hardware technologies. Therefore, orchestrating the distribution of load between cloud geo-datacenters starts by instantiating a virtual and physical network typologies that connect involved front haul with relevant VNFs. In this article, we provide a framework to manage calls within 5G network clusters for efficient utilization of computational resources and also to prevent unnecessary signaling. We also propose a new scheme to instantiate virtual tunnels for call forwarding between network clusters leading to new logic networks that combine geo-datacenters and fronthaul. To facilitate service chaining in cloud, we propose a new enhanced management and orchestration (E-MANO) architecture that brings network traffic policies from the application layer tothe fronthaul for instant monitoring of available resources. We provide analysis and testbed results in support of our proposals. the fronthaul for instant monitoring of available resources. We provide analysis and testbed results in support of our proposals

System architecture and deployment scenarios for SESAME: small cEllS coordinAtion for Multi-tenancy and Edge services

The surge of the Internet traffic with exabytes of data flowing over operators’ mobile networks has created the need to rethink the paradigms behind the design of the mobile network architecture. The inadequacy of the 4G UMTS Long term Evolution (LTE) and even of its advanced version LTE-A is evident, considering that the traffic will be extremely heterogeneous in the near future and ranging from 4K resolution TV to machine-type communications. To keep up with these changes, academia, industries and EU institutions have now engaged in the quest for new 5G technology. In this paper we present the innovative system design, concepts and visions developed by the 5G PPP H2020 project SESAME (Small cEllS coordinAtion for Multi-tenancy and Edge services). The innovation of SESAME is manifold: i) combine the key 5G small cells with cloud technology, ii) promote and develop the concept of Small Cells-as-a-Service (SCaaS), iii) bring computing and storage power at the mobile network edge through the development of non-x86 ARM technology enabled micro-servers, and iv) address a large number of scenarios and use cases applying mobile edge computing

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

SDN/NFV-enabled satellite communications networks: opportunities, scenarios and challenges

In the context of next generation 5G networks, the satellite industry is clearly committed to revisit and revamp the role of satellite communications. As major drivers in the evolution of (terrestrial) fixed and mobile networks, Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) technologies are also being positioned as central technology enablers towards improved and more flexible integration of satellite and terrestrial segments, providing satellite network further service innovation and business agility by advanced network resources management techniques. Through the analysis of scenarios and use cases, this paper provides a description of the benefits that SDN/NFV technologies can bring into satellite communications towards 5G. Three scenarios are presented and analysed to delineate different potential improvement areas pursued through the introduction of SDN/NFV technologies in the satellite ground segment domain. Within each scenario, a number of use cases are developed to gain further insight into specific capabilities and to identify the technical challenges stemming from them.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft