An integration of slicing, NFV, and SDN for mobility management in corporate environments

Abstract

On-line access to information while on the move has conferred businesses with the capability to be constantly accessible and in operation, independently of geographical area or timezone. There are situations, however, that demand technical solutions for specific scenarios, such as controlled access to corporate-based content. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow controlled remote access to content, supporting scenarios such as teleworking. Nonetheless, such mechanisms are not commonly associated with the highly mobile users of today, which can traverse different types of access networks, while still keeping access to content restricted to corporate network usage. In addition, as VPN mechanisms are disassociated from mobility procedures, service disruption can happen or specific mechanisms and clients can be required in end-user's equipment.This paper proposes a framework that leverages Network Slicing, enabled by Software Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualisation, to provide seamless and isolated access to corporate-based content, while moving through heterogeneous networks. This solution allows Mobile Network Operators to dynamically instantiate isolated network slices for corporate users, and handover them between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks while users move away from the corporate network. In this way, they are able to keep access to corporate-based content in a transparent way, while maintaining access requirements for the service being used. The framework was implemented and validated over an experimental testbed composed by mobile and Wi-Fi accesses, with results presenting improvements in terms of overhead signaling and data redirection without downtime nor stream reconnection.

Analytical modeling of distributed network functions virtualization architectures and the impact of the distribution on the packet sojourn time

“…Meneses et al 33 propose a framework that uses network slicing, enabled by SDN and NFV, to provide seamless and isolated access to corporate‐based content while moving through heterogeneous networks. This solution allows mobile network operators to dynamically instantiate isolated network slices for corporate users, and handover them between 3GPP and non‐3GPP networks while users move away from the corporate network.…”

Pricing‐based power allocation in cloud radio access network with multiple access technology selection

“…[8][9][10] Recently, new virtualization technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) have been introduced for C-RAN, which enable operators to efficiently implement network slicing and run end-to-end multi-tenant resource allocation. [11][12][13][14][15] Hence, for enhanced resource utilization, C-RAN grants network operators the chance to share their infrastructure with multiple service providers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). 16,17 By employing a few hundreds of antennas at the BS, m-MIMO technology provides unprecedented spatial degrees of freedom that may be used for communicating simultaneously with multiple users over the same time-frequency resource block.…”

“…Recently, new virtualization technologies such as software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) have been introduced for C‐RAN, which enable operators to efficiently implement network slicing and run end‐to‐end multi‐tenant resource allocation 11‐15 . Hence, for enhanced resource utilization, C‐RAN grants network operators the chance to share their infrastructure with multiple service providers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) 16,17 …”

SI‐AKAV: Secure integrated authentication and key agreement for cellular‐connected IoT devices in vehicular social networks

“…The wireless communication capabilities of vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) have been employed in various applications such as vehicular social networks (VSNs) where vehicles with a common interest form overlay networks that are efficient for content sharing, accident avoidance, maneuvering, parking spot identification or other services. 1,2 Drivers, passengers, and vehicles themselves connect to VSNs to obtain additional information and content that they cannot obtain themselves and for sharing valuable information with other vehicles. However, to tap into the full potential of this future intelligent transportation system technology, VSNs must extend far beyond vehicles and road side units, particularly in urban areas.…”