Orchestra: A Customizable Split-Aware NFV Orchestrator for Dynamic Cloud Radio Access Networks

Dalla-Costa, Ariel Galante; Bondan, Lucas; Wickboldt, Juliano Araújo; Both, Cristiano Bonato; Granville, Lisandro Zambenedetti

doi:10.1109/jsac.2020.2986689

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…At radio access networks, NFV applies to frame generation, modulation, carrier allocation, etc. [40]. The realization of NFV becomes an enabler for network slicing, which is a key network architecture innovation in 5G.…”

Section: A Network Virtualizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Holistic Network Virtualization and Pervasive Network Intelligence for 6G

Shen

Gao

et al. 2022

IEEE Commun. Surv. Tutorials

234

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In this tutorial paper, we look into the evolution and prospect of network architecture and propose a novel conceptual architecture for the 6th generation (6G) networks. The proposed architecture has two key elements, i.e., holistic network virtualization and pervasive artificial intelligence (AI). The holistic network virtualization consists of network slicing and digital twin, from the aspects of service provision and service demand, respectively, to incorporate service-centric and usercentric networking. The pervasive network intelligence integrates AI into future networks from the perspectives of networking for AI and AI for networking, respectively. Building on holistic network virtualization and pervasive network intelligence, the proposed architecture can facilitate three types of interplay, i.e., the interplay between digital twin and network slicing paradigms, between model-driven and data-driven methods for network management, and between virtualization and AI, to maximize the flexibility, scalability, adaptivity, and intelligence for 6G networks. We also identify challenges and open issues related to the proposed architecture. By providing our vision, we aim to inspire further discussions and developments on the potential architecture of 6G.

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Section: A Network Virtualizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Holistic Network Virtualization and Pervasive Network Intelligence for 6G

Shen

Gao

et al. 2022

IEEE Commun. Surv. Tutorials

234

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“…However, delay requirements of different functional splits and slices are not considered in the works mentioned till now. In [13], Virtual Network Function (VNF) deployment in RAN is considered while selecting functional splits. In [14] and [15], functional split and baseband function placement decisions are considered for base stations.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Slice Aware Baseband Function Placement in 5G RAN Using Functional and Traffic Split

Sen

Franklin

2023

IEEE Access

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5G and Beyond 5G (B5G) are undergoing numerous architectural changes to enable higher flexibility and efficiency in mobile networks. Unlike traditional mobile networks, baseband functions in 5G are disaggregated into multiple components -Radio Unit (RU), Distributed Unit (DU), and Centralized Unit (CU). These components can be placed in different geographical locations based on the latency sensitivity and available capacity in the network. Processing baseband functions in a centralized location offer various advantages (known as centralization benefit in RAN) to mobile network operators, which have been a point of interest for several research works. However, achieving maximum centralization is challenging due to various factors such as limited capacity in the midhaul network, delay requirement of different functional splits and network slices, etc. In this work, we aim to address these challenges by proposing a slice-aware baseband function placement strategy. Our primary objective is to maximize the degree of centralization in the network by appropriate selection of functional split. To achieve this objective, we jointly consider functional split, traffic split, different placement options for baseband functions, and network slice-specific requirements. We also consider the minimization of active processing nodes in cloud infrastructure of different levels (edge and regional) to provide additional resource efficiency. To this end, we formulate an optimization model using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and compare its performance with different baseline techniques. We show that the proposed model achieves 6.5% more degree of centralization than the state-of-the-art while placing baseband functions in the network. To tackle the high computational complexity of the MILP model, we also present a polynomial-time heuristic algorithm for solving the problem in large-scale scenarios. We show that although the optimization model achieves around 4% more degree of centralization than the heuristic, the heuristic solves the problem in a reasonable amount of time, making it suitable for real deployment scenarios.

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“…In some studies, orchestration focuses on the fronthaul performance [41]- [43], while other works prove concepts related to the framework's functioning without an orchestration strategy [22], [42], [44]. However, Dalla-Costa et al [45] and Matoussi et al [20] provide consistent orchestration goals. The first work introduces a load balancing algorithm with an analysis of the performance of the fronthaul network and the computational resources.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Placement Solution NFV Architecture CNF Support RAN Disaggregation [46] Native K8S tool orchestration Not specified [42] High availabilty fronthaul orchestration C-RAN [43] Fronthaul driven RAN C-RAN [44] Manual orchestration of VNF and PNF NG-RAN 2 units [22] Demo orchestration under ONAP platform NG-RAN 3 units [41] Wireless fronthaul performance driven orchestration NG-RAN 2 units [45] Resources load balancing orchestration for C-RAN Specific C-RAN [20] Specific placement orchestrator for C-RAN Specific C-RAN OPlaceRAN Agnostic placement orchestrator for vNG-RAN Agnostic NG-RAN 3 units and deployment of placement solutions strategies for vNG-RAN. The entire orchestration steps, cluster/nodes resources, and crosshaul requirements are controlled by the OPlaceRAN orchestrator with a low computational overhead.…”

Section: Work Orchestration Goalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

OPlaceRAN -- a Placement Orchestrator for Virtualized Next-Generation of Radio Access Network

Morais¹,

Bruno²,

Julio³

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

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The fifth-generation mobile evolution enables transformations on Next-Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RAN). The RAN protocol stack is split into eight disaggregated options combined in three network units, i.e., Central, Distributed, and Radio. Besides that, further advances allow the RAN functions to be virtualized on top of general-purpose hardware, using the concept of virtualized RAN (vRAN). The Combination of NG-RAN and vRAN results in vNG-RAN, which enables the management of the disaggregated units and protocols as a set of radio functions. However, the orchestration-based placement of these radio functions is a challenging issue since the best decision can be determined by multiple constraints involving RAN disaggregation, crosshaul networks requirements, availability of computational resources, etc. This article proposes OPlaceRAN, a vNG-RAN deployment orchestrator framed within the NFV reference architecture and aligned with the Open RAN initiative. OPlaceRAN supports the dynamic placement of radio functions focusing on vNG-RAN planning and is designed to be agnostic to the placement optimization model. To validate OPlaceRAN, we developed a prototype based on up-to-date cloudnative tools to deploy RAN using containerized virtualization using the OpenAirInterface emulator and considering two distinct functional splits (options 2 and 6). The evaluation is tested as proofs-of-concept in a real computing infrastructure using two different placement solutions. Our results reveal that OPlaceRAN is an effective cloud-native solution for containerized network functions placement and agnostic to the optimization model. Additionally, OPlaceRAN is up-to-date with the most advanced vNG-RAN design and development approaches, contributing to the evolution of the fifth-generation of mobile networks.

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Orchestra: A Customizable Split-Aware NFV Orchestrator for Dynamic Cloud Radio Access Networks

Cited by 9 publications

References 39 publications

Holistic Network Virtualization and Pervasive Network Intelligence for 6G

Holistic Network Virtualization and Pervasive Network Intelligence for 6G

Slice Aware Baseband Function Placement in 5G RAN Using Functional and Traffic Split

OPlaceRAN -- a Placement Orchestrator for Virtualized Next-Generation of Radio Access Network

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