BackHauling-as-a-Service (BHaaS) for 5G Optical Sliced Networks: An Optimized TCO Approach

Abstract

Due to their initial overestimation of demand, many network operators are overprovisioning their infrastructure. Overdesigned networks vastly increase operational costs without generating expected revenues. In particular, high-density cell architecture in future 5G networks will face big technical and financial challenges due to avalanche of traffic volume and massive growth in connected devices. Planning scalable 5G mobile backhaul (MBH) transport networks becomes one of the most challenging issues. However, existing planning solutions are no longer appropriate for coming 5G requirements. New 5G MBH architecture emphasizes on multitenancy and network slicing, which requires new methods to optimize MBH planning resource utilization. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm based on a stochastic geometry model (Voronoi Tessellation) to define backhauling zones within a geographical area and optimize their estimated traffic demands and MBH resources. Then, we propose a novel method called backhauling-as-a-service (BHaaS) for network planning and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis based on “you-pay-only-for-what-you-use” approach. Finally, we enhanced the BHaaS performance by introducing a more service-aware method called traffic-profile-as-a-service (TPaaS) to further drive down the costs based on yearly activated traffic profiles. Results show BHaaS and TPaaS may control and enhance 22 ${\%}$ of the project benefit compared to traditional TCO model.