Heli Kokkoniemi-Tarkkanen

NES — Network Expert System for heterogeneous networks

Intelligent network monitoring and self-governing decision-making in heterogeneous networks has been an active research topic especially in related to audio/video delivery over multi-access networks. In this paper, we introduce a policy and rule based Network Expert System (NES) component to assist automated resource and mobility management. NES is one of the core components added to the Distributed Control and Management Framework (DCMF) presented in [1]. Here, we present the design of the NES as well as the results obtained from our proof-of-concept implementation. We also show that the Self-Organizing Map (SOM) based expert system utilized in NES is capable of providing solutions to resource and mobility management problems encountered in coexisting multi-operator networks.

A tool for assessing interdependency of mobile communication and electricity distribution networks

Traditionally, electricity distribution companies have used private communication networks to control medium-voltage network components such as substations, reclosers, disconnectors, and transformers. Proprietary technologies such as microwave links, narrow band VHF/UHF radios, and private mobile radios were often applied. Today, 3G and 2G cellular packet based networks can provide data connections almost anywhere with much lower costs. Those radio access technologies are proof-tested in mass markets, and their availability and reliability improve as the mobile technology evolves and the variety of mobile data services increases. Our goal was to implement a tool to assess the utilization of commercial mobile networks for the remote control of future electricity distribution networks. This is done by calculating coverage redundancy in different fault scenarios.

Hierarchical Management Architecture for Multi-Access Networks

Future Internet will be highly heterogeneous supporting a multitude of access technologies with overlapping coverages. The automation and optimization of network operations like resource, mobility or QoS management in such a multi-access and multi-operator environment becomes a very challenging but vital task in order to ensure smooth network operation and user satisfaction. Cognitive network management is seen as the solution for this. However, any self* mechanism designed for small- scale networks and requiring an accurate view of the whole network status for decision-making will not be able to meet the future needs. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-access network management architecture targeted for large heterogeneous multi- access and multi-operator networks. The architecture introduces hierarchy to network management to ensure scalability. We also present results obtained from a case example of the proposed decision-making solution implemented to our cognitive network testbed.

Hierarchical management architecture and testbed for mobile video service optimization

There is demand for solutions capable of managing the constantly increasing video traffic loads over wireless networks while ensuring sufficient QoS and QoE for mobile video services. This paper presents a hierarchical network management architecture for optimized mobile video streaming in heterogeneous multi-access networks. The architecture jointly utilizes the access diversity of multi-access networks and video adaptation capabilities in the optimization, and relies on novel cognitive algorithms in implementing the automated decision-making for the management. To facilitate the development of such algorithms as next steps, the paper presents a testbed including the required components. The paper also includes a first-pass experimental evaluation on the testbed and preliminary optimization algorithms.

Secure layer 2 tunneling over IP for GOOSE-based logic selectivity

Logic Selectivity immensely reduces both number of outages and their duration in the distribution network. IEC 61850 can be applied for standard implementing of Logic Selectivity in which Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) messages should be exchanged between intelligent field devices over the Internet. However, information security and automation requirements must be noted in order to ensure secure and accurate operation of Logic Selectivity. This paper describes lab setups for analyzing functional and non-functional characteristics of GOOSE-based Logic Selectivity. Layer 2 tunneling over IPsec is proposed for GOOSE communication over 4G Internet. Data integrity and confidentiality are achieved via IPsec in Transport mode. Furthermore, communication impact on Logic Selectivity performance are investigated by the software tool measuring communication network quality.

Wireless bandwidth management for multiple video clients through network-assisted DASH

Todays video streaming services utilize widely adaptive streaming techniques implemented over HTTP. While the approach is robust and compatible with todays internet architecture, middleboxes, and CDNs, it leaves several places for optimization. This paper proposes enhancements to the video bitrate adaptation solution of adaptive HTTP streaming by defining two network-assisted adaptation approaches based on a cognitive network management architecture. The architecture considered in the paper supports enhanced network and service awareness and distributed control over video bitrate adaptation. The presented bandwidth management concepts are experimented in a testbed environment, including prototypes of the proposed algorithms, signaling framework, and video streaming service supporting MPEG-DASH. The implementation details and evaluation results of the work introduced in this overview paper are planned to be included into a follow-up paper.

Learning Based Proactive Handovers in Heterogeneous Networks

Today, the number of versatile real-time mobile applications is vast, each requiring different data rate, Quality of Service (QoS) and connection availability requirements. There have been strong demands for pervasive communication with advances in wireless technologies. Real-time applications experience significant performance bottlenecks in heterogeneous networks. A critical time for a real-time application is when a vertical handover is done between different radio access technologies. It requires a lot of signalling causing unwanted interruptions to real-time applications. This work presents a utilization of learning algorithms to give time for applications to prepare itself for vertical handovers in the heterogeneous network environment. A testbed has been implemented, which collects PHY (Physical layer), application level QoS and users context information from a terminal and combines these Key Performance Indicators (KPI) with network planning information in order to anticipate vertical handovers by taking into account the preparation time required by a specific real-time application.

Integrated platform for critical infrastructure analysis and common operating picture solutions

In this paper, we present a software framework for modeling, simulation, and analysis of critical infrastructure (CI). Our concept fuses together a state-of-the-art telecommunications and electricity distribution system simulator (CI simulator), and a Common Operating Picture visualization system (COP system). The development process included expert interviews, which were conducted to define a comprehensive set of end-user requirements from different critical infrastructure stakeholders benefitting from a common situational picture. Using the obtained results, we enhanced the CI simulator to model more precisely interdependencies in communication and electricity distribution networks in normal and abnormal situations. In addition, the simulator was extended with near future prediction capabilities using the current situation and networks’ operating conditions. The simulator also provides a real-time data stream to the COP system, whose core analysis and visualization functions were specified according to the end-user requirements collected from the interviews.

Experimental Evaluation of a Wireless Bandwidth Management System for Multiple DASH Clients

The paper proposes enhancements to adaptive video streaming over HTTP using a wireless bandwidth management architecture. The architecture enforces distributed control over video bitrate adaptation by providing additional network-side control information to video clients in order to assist them in their decision-making. The architecture and included distributed decision algorithms are network and service aware thanks to a cross-layer signaling framework. The paper presents an MPEG-DASH based testbed implementation of the architecture and studies its performance in the context of two network-assisted video adaptation use cases. The results, obtained in an experimental evaluation conducted using the testbed, attest the benefits of the proposed solution against a state-of-the-art client-side approach.