A Complex Network and Evolutionary Game Theory Framework for 6G Function Placement

Abstract

Towards 6G, a key challenge lies in the placement of virtual network functions on physical resources. This becomes complex due to the dynamic nature of mobile environments, making the design a major point of research. We propose a framework that sees this challenge as a complex and dynamic collective process, presenting a novel perspective which encompasses transport network and wireless segment aspects. The framework is built around an analytical modeling and algorithmic tools that rely on complex systems' paradigm as multiplex networks and evolutionary game theory. The multiplex network enables capturing the layered and heterogeneous nature of the environment. Evolutionary game theory models the dynamical behavior of the system as a collective social process, where each decision on functions influences the overall outcome. Our model allows us to achieve a placement scheme that optimizes 6G functions deployment and minimizes the number of active computational nodes. Compared to traditional transport network centric approach, it effectively reduces interference, ensuring the network's effective operation and performance. Results show the efficacy of the strategy, enabling the dynamic distribution of functions as the outcome of a social dilemma, and highlight the potential applicability of this approach to tackle the network function placement problem in 6G networks.