A Flexible Network Architecture for 5G Systems

Abstract

In this paper, we define a flexible, adaptable, and programmable architecture for 5G mobile networks, taking into consideration the requirements, KPIs, and the current gaps in the literature, based on three design fundamentals: (i) split of user and control plane, (ii) service-based architecture within the core network (in line with recent industry and standard consensus), and (iii) fully flexible support of E2E slicing via per-domain and cross-domain optimisation, devising inter-slice control and management functions, and refining the behavioural models via experiment-driven optimisation. The proposed architecture model further facilitates the realisation of slices providing specific functionality, such as network resilience, security functions, and network elasticity. The proposed architecture consists of four different layers identified as network layer, controller layer, management and orchestration layer, and service layer. A key contribution of this paper is the definition of the role of each layer, the relationship between layers, and the identification of the required internal modules within each of the layers. In particular, the proposed architecture extends the reference architectures proposed in the Standards Developing Organisations like 3GPP and ETSI, by building on these while addressing several gaps identified within the corresponding baseline models. We additionally present findings, the design guidelines, and evaluation studies on a selected set of key concepts identified to enable flexible cloudification of the protocol stack, adaptive network slicing, and inter-slice control and management.

Sharing gNB components in RAN slicing: A perspective from 3GPP/NFV standards

“…The algorithm at inter-slice level deals with a enormous amount of information. This fact hinders its coordination with the intra-slice implementation of the RRM algorithm, specially if the last is time-sensitive [13].…”

Heuristic Resource Allocation Algorithm for Controller Placement in Multi-Control 5G Based on SDN/NFV Architecture

“…However, the deployment of network functions in a single controller has a drawback that is sufficiently linked to the optimum performance, that affects the guaranteed level of quality of service (QoS), necessary for large-scale 5G network management [9]. In this context, the adoption of multiple controllers for 5G networks in the control layer tackles flexibility, scalability and performance degradation [10]. In addition, unexpected network demands, and dynamic changes of topology create different load distributions amongst the controllers, as well as uneven coordination for controlling event problems.…”

A Hybridly Optimized LSTM‐Based Data Flow Prediction Model for Dependable Online Ticketing

“…Fifth-generation (5G) communication technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) enable the design and deployment of sophisticated solutions for enhanced user experience and superior mobile service delivery meeting diverse critical requirements [1][2][3][4]. However, the performance of 5G-based services is dependent on many factors [5,6]. 5G-based mobile services face challenges such as transferring of high data rates, rapid response requirements, dynamic coupling and decoupling of new devices, and their remote configuration [7].…”