Software Defined Networking for Next Generation Communications

As wireless traffic continues to grow, network operators must carry higher volumes of data and support more sophisticated services. To meet the rising and diverse user demands, further improvement in wireless communication technology is required to enhance service delivery for example, through higher data rates, low latency, reduced interference and even greater capacity. The increasing heterogeneity in either access technology, topological layers for example, macro, pico, femto or spectrum (multiple frequency bands, maybe aggregated) has made it necessary for operators to maintain and operate distinct access, backhaul and core networks. This could lead to increased OPEX and CAPEX for the operators. Furthermore, network operators need flexible deployment capabilities to migrate from older to newer technologies without impacting the end user experience. Therefore, to address these challenges a holistic approach is required that leverages the strength of software defined networking (SDN) with the help of virtualization as enabling technology to transform the way networks are managed at present and adapt network operations based on real time traffic behaviour. This approach should simplify network management, enable network resource sharing and provide flexibility to introduce new and innovative services in a short time.

This project forms part of CROSSFIRE- (unCooRdinated netwOrk StrategieS for enhanced interFerence, mobility, radio Resource, and Energy saving management in LTE-Advanced networks) is a Multi-Partner Initial Training Network (MITN) Marie Curie project that is focused on providing forward-looking solutions for Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) network co-existence including aspects ranging from the physical layer such as co-channel interference and cognition to the user perception of the service, i.e., Quality of Experience (QoE). The project will analyse and propose network virtualization solutions for LTE-A networks, a technology which is envisioned to transform operation of cellular networks in the years to come.

Project aims

Studying architectural aspects for enabling dynamic LTE-Advanced network sharing via software defined networking and network virtualization
Develop advanced algorithms and protocols for efficient resource management and utilization
Developing novel solutions for self-organization of LTE-A heterogeneous networks with least human intervention
Design networks that are flexible, adaptive, scalable and easy to maintain

Software Defined Networking for Next Generation Communications

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