The main drivers for the mobile core network evolution is to serve the future challenges and set the way to 5G networks with need for high capacity and low latency. Different technologies such as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) are being considered to address the future needs of 5G networks. However, future applications such as Internet of Things (IoT), video services and others still unveiled will have different requirements, which emphasize the need for the dynamic scalability of the network functionality. The means for efficient network resource operability seems to be even more important than the future network element costs. This paper provides the analysis of different technologies such as SDN and NFV that offer different architectural options to address the needs of 5G networks. The options under consideration in this paper may differ mainly in the extent of what SDN principles are applied to mobile specific functions or to transport network functions only.

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In this paper, we propose the usage of Software Defined Network as mobile backhaul for 5G networks. Mobile networks are facing major challenges to handle the increasing traffic demand. The mobile operators need to improve the effectiveness of their infrastructure. Moreover, they need to enable new business models with their existing network. In this paper we propose Software Defined Networks to be integrated as part of the mobile backhaul to address these two requirements. Firstly, we completely virtualize and move the core mobile network, as it is known today, directly to the cloud. Secondly we integrate Software Define network technology in the mobile backhaul. Adding SDN simplifies the access network formed by base stations i.e. eNodeBs, interconnected through a backhaul network composed by SDN forwarding planes managed from the cloud. Each access network will be managed from the SDN controller and rest of the network element in the cloud, thus reducing the Operative Expenses (OPEX). Finally, we present the benefits of using SDN in mobile networks to support multiple Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) in their network infrastructure.

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