Rate-delay analysis of radio access network slices

Based on wireless network virtualization, radio access network (RAN) slicing is developed to provide services for the different users' requirements. Moreover, the users' sum data rate and delay are two significant metrics to guarantee quality of services. In this paper, we first establish an optimization problem to maximize the downlink sum rate while guaranteeing users' delay for RAN slices, where the base stations and user equipments are randomly distributed. Then we analyze the performance tradeoff between the sum rate maximization and delay tolerance. With the aid of Lyapunov optimization, the upper bounds of the achievable rate and delay are derived, through which the existence of tradeoff in performance is obvious and verified by numerical results

Energy efficiency and delay optimization for edge caching aided video streaming

In this paper, we design a computing, communication and caching scheme for edge caching-based video streaming in order to improve the network performance. Firstly, we optimize the system's energy efficiency and delay with the aid of network function virtualization. Then, a dynamic edge caching decision is developed, and based on Lyapunov optimization, an alternating resource optimization algorithm is proposed for allocating the optimal subcarrier and power resources, video caching and computing resources. Our numerical results show that the proposed scheme outperforms both the traditional caching scheme as well as the least frequently used (LFU)-40% regime, and strikes a compelling tradeoff between the energy efficiency and delay

Open-source multi-access edge computing for 6G: opportunities and challenges

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is capable of meeting the challenging requirements of next-generation networks, e.g., 6G, as a benefit of providing computing and caching capabilities in the close proximity of the users. However, the traditional MEC architecture relies on specialized hardware and its bespoke software functions are closely integrated with the hardware, hence it is too rigid for supporting the rapidly evolving scenarios in the face of the demanding requirements of 6G. As a remedy, we conceive the compelling concept of open-source-defined cellular networking and intrinsically amalgamate it with MEC, which is defined by open-source software running on general-purpose hardware platforms. Specifically, an open-source-defined MEC (OpenMEC) scheme is presented relying on a pair of core principles: the decoupling of the MEC functions and resources from each other with the aid of network function virtualization (NFV); as well as the reconfiguration of the disaggregated MEC functions and resources into customized edge instances. This philosophy allows operators to adaptively customize their users’ networks. Then, we develop improved networking functions for OpenMEC decoupling and discuss both its key components as well as the process of OpenMEC reconfiguration. The typical use cases of the proposed OpenMEC scheme are characterized with the aid of a small-scale test network. Finally, we discuss some of the potential open-source-related technical challenges when facing 6G

Open-source multi-access edge computing for 6G: opportunities and challenges

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is capable of meeting the challenging requirements of next-generation networks, e.g., 6G, as a benefit of providing computing and caching capabilities in the close proximity of the users. However, the traditional MEC architecture relies on specialized hardware and its bespoke software functions are closely integrated with the hardware, hence it is too rigid for supporting the rapidly evolving scenarios in the face of the demanding requirements of 6G. As a remedy, we conceive the compelling concept of open-source-defined cellular networking and intrinsically amalgamate it with MEC, which is defined by open-source software running on general-purpose hardware platforms. Specifically, an open-source-defined MEC (OpenMEC) scheme is presented relying on a pair of core principles: the decoupling of the MEC functions and resources from each other with the aid of network function virtualization (NFV); as well as the reconfiguration of the disaggregated MEC functions and resources into customized edge instances. This philosophy allows operators to adaptively customize their users’ networks. Then, we develop improved networking functions for OpenMEC decoupling and discuss both its key components as well as the process of OpenMEC reconfiguration. The typical use cases of the proposed OpenMEC scheme are characterized with the aid of a small-scale test network. Finally, we discuss some of the potential open-source-related technical challenges when facing 6G