Abstract
The future wireless networks are expected to be extremely dense and heterogeneous, with the users experiencing multi-connectivity through the multiple available radio access technologies (RATs). These prevalent characteristics, along with the strict QoS requirements, renders the handover (HO) process optimization as a critical objective for future networks. Along side the evolving network characteristics and methodologies, an evolving network architecture needs to be considered as well. Such evolution should not only facilitate HO process enhancement, i.e., reduction in HO delay and signaling, but it should also allow for a smooth transition from current to future wireless networks. Hence, in this work we firstly present an evolutionary core network entity called the Integrated MME-SDN Controller and the associated network architecture. The proposed architecture provides a migratory path for the existing 3GPP cellular architectures towards the 5G networks. Next, we discuss the benefits and challenges of such an architectural approach, with one of the benefits being a manageable CAPEX for the network operators through its transitional nature. Subsequently, utilizing the aforementioned proposed architecture, we present the handover process enhancement for the current 3GPP defined HO processes. We quantify the improvements achieved in terms of latency, transmission and processing cost for the different 3GPP HO processes. We also show that the proposed HO mechanism leads to a significant reduction in latency and signaling for certain types of HOs which, as a consequence, will critically benefit any dense and heterogeneous wireless system, such as 5G.
Highlights
The future wireless networks are expected to be extremely dense and heterogeneous, wherein the users can experience multi-connectivity
As a solution to these challenges, firstly, building on the Software Defined Networking (SDN)-Evolved Packet Core (EPC) convergence trend as well as the 3GPP 5G architecture, we propose a new core network entity named as the Integrated MME/SDN Controller (IMSC)
We have proposed a new core network (CN) entity, namely the IMSC, and the IMSC based network architecture, which is an evolutionary architecture, allowing for a smooth transition from current to future (5G) networks
Summary
The future wireless networks are expected to be extremely dense and heterogeneous, wherein the users can experience multi-connectivity. It will be important to take these architectural proposals into account whilst developing any future architectural and mobility management (MM) solution Research efforts such as [11] evince a new SDN based paradigm for MM known as Mobility Management as a Service (MMaaS), wherein SDN based core network (CN) can utilize the available network and user context and implement on-demand MM solutions. Integrated MME-SDN Controller (IMSC) and the corresponding network architecture Such a solution aims at providing a transitional approach from current to future networks, reducing the time to market and CAPEX as compared to directly adopting fully softwarized SDN based networks. The evolutionary trend is further reinforced from the fact that, the centrally located IMSC in the proposed architecture, an evolution of the MME in the current EPC, improves the CP signaling within the CN through its SDN capabilities.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Submitted Version (
Free)
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call