Offline Joint Network and Computational Resource Allocation for Energy-Efficient 5G and beyond Networks

Abstract

In order to cope with the ever-increasing traffic demands and stringent latency constraints, next generation, i.e., sixth generation (6G) networks, are expected to leverage Network Function Virtualization (NFV) as an enabler for enhanced network flexibility. In such a setup, in addition to the traditional problems of user association and traffic routing, Virtual Network Function (VNF) placement needs to be jointly considered. To that end, in this paper, we focus on the joint network and computational resource allocation, targeting low network power consumption while satisfying the Service Function Chain (SFC), throughput, and delay requirements. Unlike the State-of-the-Art (SoA), we also take into account the Access Network (AN), while formulating the problem as a general Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP). Due to the high complexity of the proposed optimal solution, we also propose a low-complexity energy-efficient resource allocation algorithm, which was shown to significantly outperform the SoA, by achieving up to 78% of the optimal energy efficiency with up to 742 times lower complexity. Finally, we describe an Orchestration Framework for the automated orchestration of vertical-driven services in Network Slices and describe how it encompasses the proposed algorithm towards optimized provisioning of heterogeneous computation and network resources across multiple network segments.

A Survey of Energy Optimization Approaches for Computational Task Offloading and Resource Allocation in MEC Networks

“…With regard to the edge layer and core layer, the connection between ANs and core network devices (e.g., switches/routers/middle-box devices) can be wired or wireless [24]. The back-haul link is from the UE side to the core network layer.…”

“…Moreover, network slices can improve the allocation strategies for resources and also offer the possibility to perform optimizations in energy efficiency aspects [24]. Firstly, by adopting network slicing, we can utilize the resources of MEC networks more efficiently to meet the requirements of various types of tasks.…”

User-BS Selection Strategy Optimization with RSSI-Based Reliability in 5G Wireless Networks

“…User-BS selection, aiming to associate a user with a particular serving BS, is a critical procedure in wireless networks that substantially affects network performance [13]. In traditional LTE systems, the radio admission control entity is located in the radio resource control layer of the protocol stack, which decides whether a new radio-bearer admission request is admitted or rejected [14].…”

Scenario-Based Configuration Refinement for High-Load Cellular Networks: An Operator View

“…The widely deployed fifth generation (5G) and the coming sixth (6G) communication networks are believed to offer a large amount of network services for growing diverse demands, such as high-definition video playing, vehicular networks, massive Internet of Things, and telemedicine [1][2][3]. These demands are generated by traditional mobile communication applications and vertical market segments with different requirements for quality of service (QoS) and key performance indicators (KPI) [4][5][6][7]. It is challenging to achieve novel communication performance by a "one-size-fits-all" network infrastructure for various requirements of QoS and KPI.…”