We argue for network slicing as an efficient solution that addresses the diverse requirements of 5G mobile networks, thus providing the necessary flexibility and scalability associated with future network implementations. We elaborate on the challenges that emerge when we design 5G networks based on network slicing. We focus on the architectural aspects associated with the coexistence of dedicated as well as shared slices in the network. In particular, we analyze the realization options of a flexible radio access network with focus on network slicing and their impact on the design of 5G mobile networks. In addition to the technical study, this paper provides an investigation of the revenue potential of network slicing, where the applications that originate from such concept and the profit capabilities from the network operator's perspective are put forward.
As a chain is as strong as its weakest element, so as the efficiency, flexibility, and robustness of a mobile network, which relies on a range of different functional elements and mechanisms.. Indeed, the mobile network architecture needs particular attention when discussing the evolution of 3GPP EPS because it is the architecture which integrates the many different future technologies into one mobile network. This article discusses 3GPP EPS mobile network evolution as a whole, analyzing specific architecture properties which are critical in future 3GPP EPS releases. In particular, this article discusses the evolution towards a "network of functions," networking slicing, and software-defined mobile network control, management, and orchestration. Furthermore, the roadmap for the future evolution of 3GPP EPS and its technology components is detailed and relevant standards defining organizations are listed.
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Data analytics can be seen as a powerful tool for the fifth-generation (5G) communication system to enable the transformation of the envisioned challenging 5G features into a reality. In the current 5G architecture, some first features toward this direction have been adopted by introducing new functions in core and management domains that can either run analytics on collected communication-related data or can enhance the already supported network functions with statistics collection and prediction capabilities. However, possible further enhancements on 5G architecture may be required, which strongly depend on the requirements as set by vertical customers and the network capabilities as offered by the operator. In addition, the architecture needs to be flexible in order to deal with network changes and service adaptations as requested by verticals. This paper explicitly describes the requirements for deploying data analytics in a 5G system and subsequently presents the current status of standardization activities. The main contribution of this paper is the investigation and design of an integrated data analytics framework as a key enabling technology for the service-based architectures (SBAs). This framework introduces new functional entities for application-level, data network, and access-related analytics to be integrated into the already existing analytics functionalities and examines their interactions in a service-oriented manner. Finally, to demonstrate predictive radio resource management, we showcase a particular implementation for application and radio access network analytics, based on a novel database for collecting and analyzing radio measurements. INDEX TERMS 5G, architecture, data analytics, network slicing. I. INTRODUCTION The fifth generation (5G) mobile communications system is characterized by a wide-range of services grouped under three generic service types, namely, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The network slicing concept is introduced in 5G to address the various requirements from multiple vertical industries assuming a shared physical network infrastructure. A network slice can be customized according to the needs of vertical industries and services to be supported. Network slicing is a key pillar in 5G networks. The associate editor coordinating the review of this manuscript and approving it for publication was Kostas Psannis. The end-to-end (E2E) nature imposes domain-specific requirements that will span over multiple technical domains, i.e., radio access network (RAN), transport network, and core network (CN). In addition, 5G shall be supported by a management and orchestration (M&O) layer in order to meet defined service-level agreements (SLAs) for network slices of different nature. In 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), four standard slice/service types (SSTs) have been introduced, namely, eMBB, mMTC, URLLC, and vehicleto-everything (V2X) SSTs, which aim to provide differen...
Driven by a massive surge in digitization and customization, so-called vertical industries are expected to be a major beneficiary of the fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks. The use cases of such vertical industries define qualitative and quantitative requirements unprecedented in the history of mobile network development. Autonomous vehicles, traffic light control, video surveillance, industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), to only name a few, introduce challenging requirements regarding both conventional performance metrics, such as, throughput or coverage, as well as formerly rather subordinate system metrics, such as deterministic latency, ultra-high reliability and resilience, high number of devices, multi-tenant networks, or demanding security mechanisms.Nokia, Deutsche Telekom, and Hamburg Port Authority have deployed a large-scale 5G trial testbed in the Hamburg port area. The testbed proves in a real, large-scale industrial environment that basic features of network slicing, namely slice isolation, flexible slice customization and multi-tenancy, are technically feasible already today. Three exemplary communication services have been selected and are demonstrated in the testbed. Multi-connectivity is implemented as a key component to achieve high reliability throughout the testbed area. The testbed shows that all network domains must be involved in the setup of network slices, i.e., user terminals, radio access, core network, and enterprise networks, in order to efficiently operate and manage network slices. Therefore, the discussed Life Cycle Management is key for the interaction between mobile service provider and tenants of the network.
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