Software Defined Network Service Chaining for OTT Service Providers in 5G Networks

Abstract

Abstract-The fifth generation (5G) wireless networks are expected to offer high capacity and accommodate numerous overthe-top (OTT) applications, relying on users' Internet connectivity, thus involving different stakeholders, i.e., network service providers (NSPs) and OTT service providers (OSPs). For the efficient management of OTT application flows, the implementation of service functions and their interconnection in service chains, namely the network service chaining (NSC), should consider the OSPs' performance goals and user management strategies. However, in current wireless network deployments, the NSPs have full control of NSC. Considering that user satisfaction from the offered services is common interest for both types of stakeholders, the OSPs need to participate in NSC and apply QoS and user prioritization policies to NSC resource management, which involves users connected in different network points, in a distributed manner. In this article, we describe 5G network management architectures and propose virtualization components that enable OSP-oriented NSC. We also outline the arising issues for OSPs in NSC and we introduce a distributed prioritization NSC management scheme for OTT application flows, based on matching theory. The evaluation results indicate the performance gains in OSPs' service levels that stem from the proposed scheme, demonstrating the benefits of introducing prioritization in NSC deployment.

Random forests for resource allocation in 5G cloud radio access networks based on position information

“…To this end, CRAN defines a suitable platform for resource allocation in 5G that may allow for both centralized and distributed control of a common pool of resources belonging to multiple operators [13] or multiple service providers [14]. Despite the recent CRAN advances, related work with respect to machine learning for resource allocation within the context of CRAN is still quite sparse.…”

Network Service Chaining Using Segment Routing in Multi-Layer Networks

“…In next-generation metro and core networks, operators will be required to transport different application traffic, from/to specific client networks (e.g., data centers, 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN) [2], smart Internet of Things (IoT) cloud/fog nodes processing data from/to massively distributed sensors [3], [4], blockchain-based platforms [5], [6]) where each application may generate an huge number of low or medium bitrate flows (i.e., MicroFlows) subject to different end-toend Quality of Service (QoS) requirements [7]. Moreover, specific MicroFlows, in order to satisfy the requested QoS and additional requirements such as traffic isolation, security and performance monitoring, may also be required to traverse single or combined network functions (e.g., firewall, deep packet inspection, policers, accelerators) before reaching the destination.…”

Computation Offloading Algorithm for Arbitrarily Divisible Applications in Mobile Edge Computing Environments: An OCR Case

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