Paper Info
Title
Softwarization of Mobile Network Functions towards Agile and Energy Efficient 5G Architectures: A Survey.
Abstract
Future mobile networks (MNs) are required to be flexible with minimal infrastructure complexity, unlike current ones that rely on proprietary network elements to offer their services. Moreover, they are expected to make use of renewable energy to decrease their carbon footprint and of virtualization technologies for improved adaptability and flexibility, thus resulting in green and self-organized systems. In this article, we discuss the application of software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) technologies towards softwarization of the mobile network functions, taking into account different architectural proposals. In addition, we elaborate on whether mobile edge computing (MEC), a new architectural concept that uses NFV techniques, can enhance communication in 5G cellular networks, reducing latency due to its proximity deployment. Besides discussing existing techniques, expounding their pros and cons and comparing state-of-the-art architectural proposals, we examine the role of machine learning and data mining tools, analyzing their use within fully SDN- and NFV-enabled mobile systems. Finally, we outline the challenges and the open issues related to evolved packet core (EPC) and MEC architectures.
Year
DOI
Venue
2017
10.1155/2017/8618364
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS & MOBILE COMPUTING
Field
DocType
Volume
Virtualization,Efficient energy use,Computer science,Network packet,Computer network,Agile software development,Mobile edge computing,Cellular network,Network element,Software-defined networking,Distributed computing
Journal
2017
ISSN
Citations 
PageRank 
1530-8669
4
0.49
References 
Authors
28
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Thembelihle Dlamini161.88
Michele Rossi222826.33
Daniele Munaretto315817.08