Jose Costa-Requena

SDN integration in LTE mobile backhaul networks

The major challenge in future mobile networks is how to improve throughput to support the increase demand in traffic. Software Defined Networks is the new technology proposed but so far it has been proposed to be integrated in the current 4G architecture without major changes. However, we present the mobile networks beyond 4G where Software Defined Network should be used in a more disruptive approach to redesign the current architecture. This proposal includes the proper migration path to ensure reasonable transition phase. The objective is not to meet short term needs but to fulfill the future throughput requirements by revamping the transport network in the mobile backhaul, and moving most of the current LTE network elements to the cloud. In this approach we remove completely the core mobile network as it is known today. Instead, the mobile architecture beyond 4G consists of a simplified access network formed by base stations i.e. eNodeBs, interconnected through a backhaul network composed by SDN switches managed from the cloud together with the rest of LTE network elements.

SDN and NFV integration in generalized mobile network architecture

The main drivers for the mobile core network evolution is to serve the future challenges and set the way to 5G networks with need for high capacity and low latency. Different technologies such as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) are being considered to address the future needs of 5G networks. However, future applications such as Internet of Things (IoT), video services and others still unveiled will have different requirements, which emphasize the need for the dynamic scalability of the network functionality. The means for efficient network resource operability seems to be even more important than the future network element costs. This paper provides the analysis of different technologies such as SDN and NFV that offer different architectural options to address the needs of 5G networks. The options under consideration in this paper may differ mainly in the extent of what SDN principles are applied to mobile specific functions or to transport network functions only.

Home media atomizer: remote sharing of home content - without semi-trusted proxies

This paper proposes a solution that allows home hosted content, located on home PCs or UPnP media servers, to be offered to remote clients, for consumption. The system is based on a proxy residing on the home network that exports the multimedia content to a Web syndication feed following the Atom protocol, which is then accessed from compatible remote clients. A prototype of the system was built, with the proxy functionality implemented on a home PC and the remote clients running on mobile phones. Special attention has been paid to the social aspects of content sharing, for allowing the home owner to also invite other external users to remotely access specific, home-based media containers, with very simple and secure device configuration.

Incentive Problem for Ad Hoc Networks Scalability

Ad hoc networks still have unsolved fundamental problems such as scalability, security and QoS. Ad hoc networks have to compete with existing wireless technologies that already provide networking capabilities with low cost. The main driver for ad hoc networks is to have a zero-cost and self-created IP network. We consider scalability as the main inconvenience for future deployment of ad hoc networks. In this paper we analyse the scalability in a real testbed and we propose a simple and novel solution based on relay nodes. The relay nodes require consuming additional resources that users may not be willing to support. We use game theory to demonstrate that users will cooperate if a rewarding mechanism is implemented. Therefore, the proposed solution for scalable ad hoc networks requires a tight interaction between routing and MAC layer to enforce the rewarding mechanism. A new node architecture different from the OSI layering structure is required

SDN optimized caching in LTE mobile networks

This paper provides an overview of the current LTE architecture and the proposed solutions to integrate Software Defined Network (SDN) technology. The integration of SDN into mobile networks become Software Defined Mobile Network (SDMN), which provides new benefits such as dynamic and efficient caching. Firstly, the paper proposes the integration of SDN in LTE networks on disruptive approach that replaces current mobile transport with SDN based network. Secondly, the benefits of SDN integration to provide optimized content caching is presented. This paper presents a concrete advantage of SDMN for content delivery. Thus, the paper describes the benefits from operator and end user points of view based on a simple scenario of content delivery using dynamic caching reallocation.

AODV-OLSR scalable ad hoc routing proposal

Ad hoc networking is a technology still under development and there are several proposals for defining the most suitable routing protocol. The dynamic conditions of ad hoc networks do not allow having a single routing protocol that fits all possible environments. This paper presents the design of a scalable ad hoc routing protocol. The analysis of existing routing protocols is presented, and a novel routing algorithm is proposed and analyzed. The implementation of the proposed algorithm is based on well-known routing protocols such as AODV and OLSR. Moreover, we propose to extend AODV with a new broadcast algorithm to replace OLSR and implement the proposed scalable ad hoc routing protocol using AODV.

Replication of routing tables for mobility management in Ad Hoc networks

Ad Hoc networking is a rather old technology that is gaining new momentum in the research community. It is still an area under development and there are several proposals for the technology regarding routing protocols, addressing, interoperability, etc. Because of the extreme conditions where Ad Hoc networks should operate, it is envisioned that in medium to large scale networks, a hybrid proactive and reactive routing mechanism should be used. Therefore, considering the proactive routing protocols as the most suitable protocol for certain topologies in Ad Hoc networks, this paper proposes a specific layered structure to enable both technologies in a seamless manner. This approach supports both reactive (e.g., AODV, DSR) and proactive link state (e.g., OLSP) protocols. The proposed layered structure divides the routing problem into different parts, where one module performs the routing algorithm, another module takes care of replicating and synchronizing the routing tables, and a third one evaluates the routing information for triggering hand-over signals to the upper layers. The overall responsibility for selecting the appropriate routing schema and for initiating the roaming process resides on a proposed Context Sensitive Roaming Layer. This paper describes the interface and the functions implemented by the Roaming Layer. The paper also analyses replication using the Server Cache Synchronization Protocol (SCSP). Finally, the last part of the paper describes the demand for Ad Hoc networks, which is driven by applications supported with an appropriate billing or bonus mechanism.

Software defined networks based 5G backhaul architecture

In this paper, we propose the usage of Software Defined Network as mobile backhaul for 5G networks. Mobile networks are facing major challenges to handle the increasing traffic demand. The mobile operators need to improve the effectiveness of their infrastructure. Moreover, they need to enable new business models with their existing network. In this paper we propose Software Defined Networks to be integrated as part of the mobile backhaul to address these two requirements. Firstly, we completely virtualize and move the core mobile network, as it is known today, directly to the cloud. Secondly we integrate Software Define network technology in the mobile backhaul. Adding SDN simplifies the access network formed by base stations i.e. eNodeBs, interconnected through a backhaul network composed by SDN forwarding planes managed from the cloud. Each access network will be managed from the SDN controller and rest of the network element in the cloud, thus reducing the Operative Expenses (OPEX). Finally, we present the benefits of using SDN in mobile networks to support multiple Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) in their network infrastructure.

Network Architecture for Scalable Ad Hoc Networks

Ad Hoc networking is a technology that is gaining relevance. It is still an area under development where there are multiple open items such as routing, addressing, interoperability and service distribution. However, one of the major problems is the scalability. Most of the protocols designed specifically for Ad Hoc networks show scalability problems. In this paper, we propose network architecture for scalable Ad Hoc networks based on node classification. Moreover, an Ad Hoc framework test bed is implemented for validating the Ad Hoc nodes taxonomy concept. Preliminary results of the Ad Hoc framework integrated in PDAs (iPAQ) are presented.

Mobile backhaul transport streamlined through SDN

In this paper, we describe the integration of Software Defined Networking (SDN) in the mobile backhaul as a disruptive approach to streamline the transport network. In this work we leverage SDN to optimize the mobile backhaul transport by removing all mobile specific tunnelling and replace it with more efficient MPLS or Carrier Grade Ethernet deployed either over electrical or optical networks. The paper also presents the testbed with complete end to end system including off the shelf base stations, SDN enabled mobile backhaul switches and virtualize network elements (i.e. Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving/Packet Gateway (S/P-GW)) running on the cloud. This testbed is currently accepted as European Telecommunication Standards (ETSI) Proof of Concept and the results are used to describe the benefits for operators and end users. Moreover, an initial design of services based on the proposed virtualized mobile network architecture is proposed. The results of the testbed show the benefits for mobile operators in terms of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX) savings but more importantly the development of services that benefit from optimal usage of resources.