Anastasia Kollia

SDN & NFV in 5G: Advancements and challenges

The next generation of mobile networks has risen the expectations and has induced a whole new approach in the networking future. This study summarizes solutions, that meet all the existing requirements integrating Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) in mobile networking. The main contribution of this research activity is that it is a tool for literature reference for scientists and engineers, because it presents and compares the most fundamental existing solutions and the future directions. In this paper, the main characteristics of SDN and NFV are summarized as fundamental alternatives contributing to succeed the goals set by 5G. The main demands and challenges faced by these solutions and the most beneficial applications of the combination of SDN with NFV are described. Finally, the main conclusions of this research and suggestions for possible future activity in the field are described.

Techno-economic analysis of ultra-dense and DAS deployments in mobile 5G

Ultra-dense and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) technology consist fundamental means for achieving the data rates and round-trip times promised by future mobile networks, because they promise to assure excellent indoor coverage and offer the potential to meet the target key performance indicators at a lower cost. In this paper, we study the techno-economic aspects of ultra-dense and DAS deployments. Apart from the presentation of their architectures and advantages, we present a techno-economic modeling of these deployment types. The defined models are used for the investigation of the upper technologies from an economic perspective and therefore, they provide an insight in the future financial and price aspects of these technologies by consisting a useful tool for the definition of financing and pricing policies towards an economically viable ultra-dense femtocell-based or DAS deployment. Finally, it is confirmed that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is lower for the femtocells compared to the DAS.

Sensitivity analysis of small cells and DAS techno-economic models in mobile 5G

Next generation of mobile technologies demands high date rates and low round trip times. Therefore, we analyze deployments that offer these performance capabilities. We consider the fundamental issue of the expenses of the networks installation, maintenance and operation. We calculate the costs of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and small cells by describing updated cost models for each one. We present a Sensitivity Analysis of certain types of cost variables and parameters including the existing bandwidth, the running costs, the interest rate, the base station, the equipment, the power consumption, the backhaul, the implementation costs and Throughput Density. We include a variable cost provision for the year 2016 and beyond, and conduce several experiments, based on the upper analysis, by considering many different parameter prices and introducing the Throughput Density. We calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the Capital (CAPEX) and the Operational (OPEX) expenditures. Finally, we are led to important conclusions by comparing the two main technologies costs and evaluating the cost parameters and variables that will lead future researchers to suggest ways to reduce the higher costs.

Teaching 5G networks using the ONOS SDN controller

Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) are two significant answers to the demands raised by the next generation of mobile networks. Teaching 5G, wireless and mobile networking is becoming an absolute necessity as virtualization and SDN generate a whole new approach for these types of networks and are candidate solutions for the fifth generation. We present several ideas for teaching the combination of SDN and NFV in future mobile networks using the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) and its use cases. The architectural scheme which is experimented is thoroughly explained. There are several network simulations using the use cases vRouter (Virtual Router), IPRAN (Internet Protocol Radio Access Network) and MCORD (Mobile Central Office Re-architected as a data center) of the ONOS controller, which show how important the ONOS is and how it contributes in explaining 5G and SDN in the teaching process. Finally, experiments indicate that ONOS is suitable for teaching SDN and NFV in 5G. Future activity in the field is suggested.