Demystifying network slicing: From theory to practice

Abstract

Abstract-Network slicing is the emerging paradigm in which operators use their resources to provide multiple logical networks and associated resources, with varying configurations and at the same time. More and more vertical industries need their machines and devices connected in networks with specific requirements. In order to provide networks fitted to these usecases, and not require that they adapt to the one-size-fits-all network as is currently the case with the mobile Internet, the telecom community vowed to include network slicing functionality within its next generation of mobile networking, 5G, as an end-to-end network solution. As the concept is new and still not fully grasped, we develop and refine the concept of a network slice both from a business and a technological point of view. We investigate how network slicing in the context of a vehicular network could be implemented and how it advances the state of the art. This involves a detailed study of the involved technologies across a range of infrastructures and network segments, as well as the resulting gaps in the existing technology landscape. Based on the lessons learned in this concrete usecase, network slicing is considered in a broader 5G landscape. We capture the main challenges and potential directions in order to make network slicing a true enabler of 5G-driven vertical industries.

Reinforcement Learning for Service Function Chain Reconfiguration in NFV-SDN Metro-Core Optical Networks

“…We run the simulations in an Ubuntu 18.04 x64 machine with 64GB of RAM, Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 − 7700 CPU @ 3.6GHz using openAI Gym Python library. 4…”

“…It is a well known concept since a long time, but recently revamped for the implementation of 5G standard for mobile communications. It can be applied both to wireless and fixed network architectures [4]. The physical topology is divided into multiple independent virtual networks (VN) called network slices (or slices).…”

Dynamic programming of network slices in software-defined metro-core optical networks

“…led to the rise of Network Slicing (NS). NS, based on the concept of network abstraction and virtualization, introduces programmability, flexibility, and modularity to traditional networks [4]. Applying NS, the physical topology is virtually divided into multiple independent virtual networks (VNs), referred to as network slices or, simply, slices.…”

Cloud Network Slicing: A systematic mapping study from scientific publications

“…In the field of computer networks, slice takes advantage of technologies like SDN (Software Defined Networking) and NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), allowing to build a programmable and dynamic structure on demand. Coupled with the concept of cloud computing, Slice enables the creation of a more complex architecture (CNS -Cloud Network Slicing) that encompasses network and cloud technologies, enabling new services [11].…”

“…Some papers in the literature present open challenges in the CNS context [11,14,12,15]. Topics such as monitoring, elasticity, isolation, security, QoS (Quality of Service), open interfaces (standardization), resource discovery, and mobility haven't been completely addressed yet.…”