NFV: state of the art, challenges, and implementation in next generation mobile networks (vEPC)

Abstract

Abstract-As mobile network users look forward to the connectivity speeds of 5G networks, service providers are facing challenges in complying with connectivity demands without substantial financial investments. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is introduced as a new methodology that offers a way out of this bottleneck. NFV is poised to change the core structure of telecommunications infrastructure to be more cost-efficient. In this paper, we introduce a Network Function Virtualization framework, and discuss the challenges and requirements of its use in mobile networks. In particular, an NFV framework in the virtual environment is proposed. Moreover, in order to reduce signaling traffic and achieve better performance, this paper proposes a criterion to bundle multiple functions of virtualized evolved packet-core in a single physical device or a group of adjacent devices. The analysis shows that the proposed grouping can reduce the network control traffic by 70 percent.

The role of big data in smart city

“…This problem does not only affect revenue but also limits innovation in the telecommunication industry. Thus, network operators seek to minimize or eliminate their dependence on proprietary hardware (Hawilo et al, 2014). The need to shift the paradigm from a reliance on hardware for core network function gave rise to network function virtualization (NFV).…”

“…By contrast, the guest virtual machine is a software that emulates the architecture and functionalities of a physical platform on which the desired application is executed. The NFV technology takes advantage of cloud-based infrastructure and networking services to form the NFV infrastructure (Hawilo et al, 2014). Therefore, the applications of this technology to the smart city will include the virtualization of mobile base stations, PaaS, content delivery networks, and home environments.…”

NFV service dynamicity with a DevOps approach

“…New network services demand higher levels of automation and optimized resource usage [1]. Our demo supports NFV service dynamicity by offering fully automated scaling and troubleshooting procedures.…”

“…Our demo supports NFV service dynamicity by offering fully automated scaling and troubleshooting procedures. Flexible deployment and operations are enabled by the architecture of the UNIFY 1 orchestration platform combined with an adaptive monitoring framework and a flexible yet performant Infrastructure Node.…”

Model for Efficient Allocation of Network Functions in Hybrid Environment

“…In addition to the typical eNodeB, S/PGW, MME and other network functions [5], an EPC deployment requires the following functions typically installed in independent boxes: i) Network Address Translation (NAT) from private IPv4 addresses to public IPv4/v6 addresses; ii) service access policing, e.g., for VPN, video platforms and VoIP; iii) infrastructure firewall protection; iv) a content distribution network (CDN) solution for efficient popular content distribution; and v) transcoding engines for optimized picture and video delivery [6]. The substantial dependence of networks on their underlying hardware and the existence of various specialized hardware appliances, such as firewalls, deep packet inspection (DPI) equipment, and routers, in the network infrastructure have escalated the challenges facing network service providers [7].…”