Network Management Research Articles

Automated PIM Detection in Wireless Networks via Smart Data-Driven Techniques

As the number of base stations keeps increasing due to ever-growing wireless services and pervasive connectivity, the operational costs for network service providers rises proportionally. In addition, with the evolution of wireless technologies and the development of next generation networks such as 5G and 6G, network operators are inevitably expected to encounter more complex challenges. One such network issue is the Passive Intermodulation (PIM) problem that is observed in both 4G and 5G networks. It degrades the user experience and radio resource efficiency while leading to an operational overhead for detecting and mitigating it on the operator side. Although there is a significant body of work regarding PIM detection and cancellation methods, the majority of such studies depends on hardware solutions and manual investigation by network engineers, which is costly in terms of time and labor. In this paper, we propose two methods using unsupervised and semi-supervised Machine Learning (ML) approaches, namely a time-series-based anomaly detection technique and an autoencoder-based one, for identifying PIM problems in network sites. The proposed solutions utilize a set of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data of base stations obtained from network management systems for a significantly long time interval and detect possible PIM problems without the need for a human in the loop. We measure and analyze the performance of our solutions, with the guidance of experienced network engineers, on our collected dataset.

From GIS to Graphical Representation for Maintaining Connectivity of Wastewater Network Elements

Wastewater network management is a critical aspect of ensuring public health and environmental sustainability. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely employed for managing and analyzing wastewater network data. A Shapefile is a model for representing vector data in GIS. In this model, different databases are used to store various types of geometric data, including points, lines, and polygons. For instance, the components of wastewater networks are stored in different databases. However, this approach presents difficulties in accurately depicting the connectivity among the wastewater network components that are physically interconnected in reality. To address this issue, this paper discusses the limitations of the separate databases approach for representing wastewater networks in Shapefile and proposes a novel graph-based approach. In this approach, each component of the network, such as manholes, structures, pumps, etc., is represented as a node in the novel graph, while the pipes represent the connections between them. By adopting the proposed representation, the real interconnected nature of the wastewater network can be effectively captured and visualized. The validation of this approach, using five real datasets, confirms its ability to connect the various components of the wastewater network via a graph-based representation.

DiSA-CF: A distance-integrated self-attention model for collaborative filtering in web service recommendation

The ubiquity of the Internet of Things (IoT) across diverse applications underscore its pivotal role in seamlessly integrating physical devices to facilitate efficient data collection, analysis, and automation. Consequently, ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) emerges as a critical imperative. While numerous studies have proposed methodologies focusing on resource optimization, network management, and data processing techniques, several previous approaches to QoS prediction may face constraints in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment, where the dynamic nature of IoT environments demands predictive models capable of adapting to varying conditions. Integrating user and service location data into QoS prediction models is paramount, as it enables personalized service delivery tailored to the user’s specific context, thus enhancing the user experience and overall system performance. This paper presents a novel approach to QoS prediction in IoT, harnessing self-attention and collaborative filtering (CF) techniques while incorporating location-based features such as distance from the user to the service. Experimental evaluations on benchmark datasets reveal that our proposed model improves prediction accuracy by up to 7 % compared to existing methods, underscoring its efficacy in enhancing QoS provisioning in IoT environments.

Hidden Markov models for predicting cell-level mobile networks performance degradation

The ubiquitous deployment of Fourth-generation (4G) and Fifth-generation (5G) networks, while expanding user connectivity over a larger geographic area, presents significant challenges for mobile network management. The surge in connected devices increase cell congestion, while user mobility, fading, and interference further deteriorate channel quality. The combined effect of these factors contribute to a gradual degradation in cell and network performance, straining the capabilities of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to maintain optimal service quality. The degradation progresses through distinct stages, and ultimately leading to cell outages. Existing cell degradation detection methods, such as key performance indicators (KPIs) monitoring and drive tests, rely on indicators such as signal strength (like reference signal received power (RSRP)), network measurements (like traffic volume and handover requests), and user complaints. However, these methods may not provide real-time insights, leading to delays in identifying and addressing performance issues. This paper proposes a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approach for proactive cell degradation prediction using real-time time-series KPIs data collected from a telecom operator’s network management system. The NetMax system, a network management system specifically designed for ZTE networks, was used for KPIs data collection. RSRP, 3GPP-recommended signal strength metrics for degradation measure, defines hidden states, while traffic volume and handover requests represent the observable states. The HMM achieves an average prediction accuracy of 93.12%, F1 score of 91.81%, and precision of 92.82% with 23 observation lengths, demonstrating the models’s effectiveness in predicting mobile network’s cell degradation severity.

Mobility Management in TSCH-Based Industrial Wireless Networks

Mobility Management in TSCH-Based Industrial Wireless Networks

Intent-Based Management of Next-Generation Networks: an LLM-Centric Approach

Intent-Based Management of Next-Generation Networks: an LLM-Centric Approach

Distributed Dynamic Tariff for Congestion Management in Distribution Networks Considering Temporal–Spatial Coordination of Electric Vehicles

Distributed Dynamic Tariff for Congestion Management in Distribution Networks Considering Temporal–Spatial Coordination of Electric Vehicles

Development of Pavement Deterioration Models Using Markov Chain Process

A common phenomenon in developing countries is that the function of the pavement in the road network will experience structural damage before the completion of life is reached, and the uncertainty of pavement damage is difficult to predict. Planning for maintenance treatment depends on the accuracy of predicting future pavement performance and observing current conditions. This study aims to apply the Markovian probability operational research process to develop a decision support system predicting future pavement conditions. Furthermore, it determines policies and effectiveness in managing and maintaining roads. A standard approach that can be used by observing the history of pavement damage from year to year is to estimate the transition probability as a Markovian-based performance prediction model. The results show that the application of the model is quite optimal, changes in pavement conditions after repair can be easily compared with an increase in good condition, reaching 92.8%. Routinely and consistently handling road deterioration will give favorable results regarding pavement condition value. This will ease in the management of the road network and the accomplishment of the optimal maintenance and repair policies. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-09-012 Full Text: PDF

Beam Management in Low Earth Orbit Satellite Networks With Random Traffic Arrival and Time-Varying Topology

Beam Management in Low Earth Orbit Satellite Networks With Random Traffic Arrival and Time-Varying Topology

Topology-aware scalable resource management in multi-hop dense networks

The current society is becoming increasingly interconnected and hyper-connected. Communication networks are advancing, as well as logistics networks, or even networks for the transportation and distribution of natural resources. One of the key benefits of the evolution of these networks is to bring consumers closer to the source of a resource or service. However, this is not a straightforward task, particularly since networks near final users are usually shaped by heterogeneous nodes, sometimes even in very dense scenarios, which may demand or offer a resource at any given moment. In this paper, we present DEN2NE, a novel algorithm designed for the automatic distribution and reallocation of resources in distributed environments. The algorithm has been implemented with six different criteria in order to adapt it to the specific use case under consideration. The results obtained from DEN2DE are promising, owing to its adaptability and its average execution time, which follows a linear distribution in relation to the topology size.

Contextual Deep Reinforcement Learning for Flow and Energy Management in Wireless Sensor and IoT Networks

Contextual Deep Reinforcement Learning for Flow and Energy Management in Wireless Sensor and IoT Networks

Integrated Optimal Energy Management of Multi-Microgrid Network Considering Energy Performance Index: Global Chance-Constrained Programming Framework

Distributed generation (DG) sources play a special role in the operation of active energy networks. The microgrid (MG) is known as a suitable substrate for the development and installation of DGs. However, the future of energy distribution networks will consist of more interconnected and complex MGs, called multi-microgrid (MMG) networks. Therefore, energy management in such an energy system is a major challenge for distribution network operators. This paper presents a new energy management method for the MMG network in the presence of battery storage, renewable sources, and demand response (DR) programs. To show the performance of each connected MG’s inefficient utilization of its available generation capacity, an index called unused power capacity (UPC) is defined, which indicates the availability and individual performance of each MG. The uncertainties associated with load and the power output of wind and solar sources are handled by employing the chance-constrained programming (CCP) optimization framework in the MMG energy management model. The proposed CCP ensures the safe operation of the system at the desired confidence level by involving various uncertainties in the problem while optimizing operating costs under Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The proposed energy management model is assessed on a sample network concerning DC power flow limitations. The procured power of each MG and power exchanges at the distribution network level are investigated and discussed.

A distribution network carbon metering method and user carbon emission characterization method considering the influence of harmonics

Abstract This paper presents a novel carbon metering method for distribution grids that fully considers the impact of harmonics on the grid. Harmonics are sinusoidal waves with frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, and the presence of harmonics can lead to power losses, damage to equipment and degradation of power quality, thus increasing carbon emissions from the grid. Currently available carbon measurement methods often do not take this into account, so a more accurate method is needed to assess the carbon emissions of distribution grids. This new method, based on the carbon flow theory of trending power distribution, combines harmonic energy correction and node carbon potential correction, and is able to accurately calculate the carbon emissions as well as the harmonic carbon correction for each node and branch in the distribution network. In order to evaluate the carbon behavior characteristics of users more comprehensively, the study also adopts the DTW-K-Means clustering technique to group distribution network users. This innovative approach provides an effective technical means and theoretical basis for the monitoring, assessment and management of distribution network carbon emissions. This innovative method provides effective technical means and theoretical basis for distribution network carbon emission monitoring, assessment and management, not only considering the impact of harmonics on power metering, but also more accurately portraying the carbon behavior of users, which is expected to provide strong support for the reduction of grid carbon emissions.

A Deep Learning Framework for IoT Lightweight Traffic Multi-classification: Smart-cities

Aim and Background: Increased traffic volume is a major challenge for effective network management in the wake of the proliferation of mobile computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Earlier models surrender efficiency to achieve high-precision classification outcomes, which are no longer fitting for limited assets in edge network circumstances, making traffic classification a difficult task for network administrators everywhere. Given the nature of the problem, the current state of the art in traffic classification is characterized by extremely high computational complexity and large parameters. Methodology: To strike a clever balance between performance and size, we present a deep learning (DL)-based traffic classification model. We begin by decreasing the amount of model parameters and calculations by modifying the model's scale, width, and resolution. To further improve the capability of feature extraction at the traffic flow level, we secondly incorporate accurate geographical information on the attention mechanism. Thirdly, we get multiscale flow-level features by employing lightweight multiscale feature fusion. Results: The results of our experiments demonstrate that our model has high classification accuracy and efficient operation. Our study presents a traffic categorization model with an accuracy of over 99.82%, a parameter reduction of 0.26M, and a computation reduction of 5.26M. Conclusions: Therefore, this work offers a practical design used in a genuine IoT situation, where IoT traffic and tools' profiles are anticipated and classified while easing the data dispensation in the higher levels of an end-to-end communication strategy.

A Conversation with Behnaz Arzani: Shaping the future of network management

A Conversation with Behnaz Arzani: Shaping the future of network management

A novel approach for application classification with encrypted traffic using BERT and packet headers

Recent years have seen substantial advancements in Internet technology along with environmental changes, which have led to the emergence of various security issues. There is also a trend of explosive growth in applications that encrypt network traffic for various types of services. Therefore, the classification of applications within encrypted traffic represents an important research issue for both secure network management and efficient bandwidth management. In such encrypted traffic, the payload itself is encrypted, and it is no longer viable to classify applications based on signatures extracted from plaintext. Most applications in public datasets for encrypted traffic classification are collected with the same IP address and port number, which makes the 5-tuple information a strong identifier. However, this 5-tuple contains many characteristics related to both the traffic collection environment and user-specific traits, rather than intrinsic features of the applications themselves. Therefore, when addressing the problem of encrypted traffic application classification, it is advisable to utilize header information excluding the 5-tuple and payload. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel service type and application classification system based on the Bidirectional Encoding Representation Transformer (BERT), which utilizes packet header information from encrypted traffic. The proposed system ensures the accuracy and generalization performance of the classification model by using only the header information from traffic packets, excluding the 5-tuple and payload. Further, to preserve the characteristics and semantic meaning of an encrypted traffic packet, sentences embedded with 2-byte tokens were used as input for BERT. The proposed system was designed to exclude labeling information from all sentences during the pre-training phase before proceeding with training. Fine-tuning was then conducted to align the system with the objectives of the service type and application classification. This experiment utilized the publicly available ISCX VPN-nonVPN dataset, and the proposed model achieved remarkable accuracy in the key performance measure, i.e., F1-scores, with values of 99.24 % in service type classification and 98.74 % in application classification. This capability can be used in maintaining the confidentiality of encrypted traffic, network security monitoring, Quality of Service (QoS), and traffic management in complex IT environments.

Gender Issues, Social Equity, and the Sustainable Management of Urban Transport Networks: An Italian Case Study

The paper contains transport and environmental analyses for the Gallipoli area and presents results from a consultation process involving transport operators, citizens, tourists, public employees, and stakeholders. Through statistical analysis of the data, the paper provides insights into the needs of specific user categories, highlighting gender issues and social equity as key aspects of urban policies. This paper further investigates users’ potential willingness to pay for general improvements in bus service quality and environmental conditions using discrete choice modeling. This study aims to address the challenge of understanding urban travel patterns and the underlying forces influencing user attitudes, which are often found in city surveys. Specifically, a Random Utility Model was used to profile users based on specially collected survey data. The results indicate the potential to meet latent systemic transport demand with more sustainable collective transport modes, particularly among women aged 19-29 who own a car. Simultaneously, there is a willingness to pay higher public transport tariffs for improved service, which is also largely environmentally sustainable. The paper can serve as a valuable resource for professionals in the transport and environmental sectors as well as for policymakers.

Machine Learning-Driven Reconfigurable EONs with Neuromorphic Computing for Network Slicing and On-Demand Service Provisioning: A Review and Survey

Abstract: This paper delves into the substantial potential of integrating advanced technologies within Reconfigurable Elastic Optical Networks (REONs). By leveraging machine learning and neuromorphic computing, these networks can significantly enhance performance, scalability, and efficiency. Machine learning models facilitate dynamic resource management, allowing for the on-demand reconfiguration of optical networks to improve service provisioning and maintain high Quality of Service (QoS). Neuromorphic processors further boost network-slicing capabilities, optimizing bandwidth management and enabling the creation of customized virtual networks. Additionally, the incorporation of neuromorphic computing into REONs contributes to substantial energy savings, a critical factor for sustainable network operations. Techniques such as differential privacy and secure multi-party computation effectively address security and privacy challenges within optical networks. Future research should focus on developing scalable architectures, formulating energy-efficient algorithms, and designing solutions tailored to specific applications to maximize the potential of REONs. In summary, the integration of advanced computing techniques within REONs promises to revolutionize network management and service delivery, equipping future networks to deliver exceptional performance, scalability, and adaptability, thus meeting the evolving demands of modern communication environments.

Reviewing the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing IoT applications performance

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized various industries by enhancing IoT applications' efficiency and performance. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the impact of AI and ML in optimizing IoT systems. This study investigates how AI/ML algorithms contribute to real-time decision-making, energy efficiency, data management, and security in IoT networks through a qualitative research methodology. Additionally, it identifies the limitations of current research and provides directions for future work.

Revolutionizing Network Intelligence: Innovative Data Mining and Learning Approaches for Knowledge Management in Next-Generation Networks

The Information and Communication (ICT) industry, a global giant among service sectors, is known for both its massive scale and its unforgiving demands. Here, downtime is unacceptable, requiring constant high availability – often at the stringent Sigma Six standard. Redundancy is a common solution, but it comes at a cost. To meet these demands proactively, the ability to predict load and growth becomes crucial. This project aims to develop a prototype, or proof of concept, that utilizes data mining to provide early warnings and growth forecasts for the ICT industry with good accuracy. Big data is key to making discoveries in any data analysis project. Normally, this data comes from real-time system logs. However, for this initial test, I used a dataset called MIT Reality Mining. This dataset is useful because real-world companies, especially in the tech industry (ICT), are often hesitant to share their current information. By using MIT Reality Mining, I could still find trends and potential reasons behind them in the ICT industry. It's important to remember that this is a limited functionality prototype. While it can serve as a guideline for Telcos looking to implement data warehouses, the actual implementation details will need to adapt to the specific needs of each industry.