Virtualising and orchestrating a 5G evolved packet core network

David Lake, Gerry Foster, Serdar Vural, Yogaratnam Rahulan, Bong Hwan Oh, Ning Wang, Rahim Tafazolli

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceedingpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, the design, construction, and testing of a fully-functional virtualised mobile core network is outlined. Lessons learned and recommendations for future improvements are provided. The presented work uses open-source software for virtual network function infrastructure control (OpenStack), network flow programming (OpenDaylight), and network orchestration (OpenBaton) to virtualise a commercial software evolved packet core solution deployed on common off-the-shelf hardware. The findings presented in this paper prove the concept of function virtualisation for mobile networks, and paves the way towards future mobile core network function flexibility as required for 5G networks. The paper provides researchers and network operators with first-hand experience to help build similar virtual mobile network infrastructures, and highlights the challenges to tackle and the issues to address to harness the power of virtualisation in 5G networks.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE Conference on Network Softwarization
Subtitle of host publicationSoftwarization Sustaining a Hyper-Connected World: en Route to 5G, NetSoft 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509060085
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Aug 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event2017 IEEE Conference on Network Softwarization, NetSoft 2017 - Bologna, Italy
Duration: 3 Jul 20177 Jul 2017

Publication series

Name2017 IEEE Conference on Network Softwarization: Softwarization Sustaining a Hyper-Connected World: en Route to 5G, NetSoft 2017

Conference

Conference2017 IEEE Conference on Network Softwarization, NetSoft 2017
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityBologna
Period3/07/177/07/17

Keywords

  • 5G
  • management and orchestration
  • network function virtualization
  • next generation networks
  • software defined networking
  • testbed

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