SENSEFUL: An SDN-based joint access and backhaul coordination for Dense Wi-Fi Small Cells

Abstract

Abstract-Dense Small Cell networks are considered the most effective way to cope with the exponential increase in mobile traffic demand expected for the upcoming years and are one of the foundations of the future 5G. However, novel architectures are required to enable cost-efficient deployments of very dense outdoor Small Cell networks, complementing the coverage layer provided by macro-cells. In this regard, two important challenges need to be solved to make this vision a reality: i) increased traffic dynamics, which are translated into more frequent handovers, and ii) cost-efficient deployment of large number of Small Cells. In this paper we propose and evaluate SENSEFUL, an novel architecture addressing the two problems highlighted above: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) as the key technology to promote adaptability to a varying environment and provide efficient mobility solutions in the dense access layer, and novel wireless backhauling technologies where traditional wired connectivity does not meet cost/efficiency restrictions.

SODALITE: SDN Wireless Backhauling for Dense 4G/5G Small Cell Networks

“…The authors in [5] present a high level architecture for 5G ultra dense SC networks, and elaborate on the use of various wireless technologies in the fronthaul. The authors in [6] and [7] propose, respectively, high level interfaces between a transport controller and the 4G network to optimize resource allocation, and between RAN and transport for access-backhaul coordination. In [8], authors suggest to add GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) match/action capabilities to OF, although the focus is to virtualize the data plane of a mobile gateway, and not the implications of the GTP tunnels on the transport network.…”

SWAM: SDN-Based Wi-Fi Small Cells with Joint Access-Backhaul and Multi-Tenant Capabilities

“…Although customized for IEEE 802.11 networks, the SWAM architecture is sufficiently generic to be also applicable to 3GPP networks. The authors in [18], present an architecture where an access and wireless backhaul controllers, are used to allocate resources in a coordinated manner, in Small Cell networks that use IEEE 802.11 radios. This work introduces a hybrid TDMA/CSMA access scheme to enhance the coordination between access and backhaul wireless resources, which could also be adopted in SWAM.…”