SDN-based 5G mobile networks: architecture, functions, procedures and backward compatibility

In this paper, we describe an SDN-based plastic architecture for 5G networks, designed to fulfill functional and performance requirements of new generation services and devices. The 5G logical architecture is presented in detail, and key procedures for dynamic control plane instantiation, device attachment, and service request and mobility management are specified. Key feature of the proposed architecture is flexibility, needed to support efficiently a heterogeneous set of services, including Machine Type Communication, Vehicle to X and Internet of Things traffic. These applications are imposing challenging targets, in terms of end-to-end latency, dependability, reliability and scalability. Additionally, backward compatibility with legacy systems is guaranteed by the proposed solution, and Control Plane and Data Plane are fully decoupled. The three levels of unified signaling unify Access, Non-access and Management strata, and a clean-slate forwarding layer, designed according to the software defined networking principle, replaces tunneling protocols for carrier grade mobility. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.