Proactive Forwarding of High Data Rate in Smart Virtualization Networks for High-Speed Trains

Abstract

The Internet and mobile services provided by high-speed train (HST) communication networks are affected by high occurrences of interruptions due to high-speed movement. Rapid connection and disconnection with the access points (APs) impact the performance of quality-of-service to indoor train communication. To ensure a high-data-rate delivery and highly reliable connection to the Internet for end-users, we propose a novel method of handling packet flows in HST communication networks based on software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization. Our proposed combination of technologies is called smart virtualization. The approach in this paper is based on making decisions to change the paths of packet flows between the APs, depending on the use of a triggering signal to initiate layer 2 handover. This packet path switching is controlled by an SDN controller. Our proposed approach operates by sending train information via a train head triggering signal for proactive registration in advance when the train enters an overlap area of AP signals. The suggested software-defined network has been emulated and performed by using the Mininet simulator and the MATLAB platform. After extensive testing, the obtained results that were supported by the triggering signal have an efficient reduction in delay and packet loss than the obtained results without using triggering signal. The average control delay time was reduced by nearly 45%, and the retrieved data were roughly 90% of packet loss when adopting the triggering signal system.