Abstract
The cellular network has been evolving over the past years and the next generation of cellular network termed as Fifth Generation (5G) network, promises new improved characteristics such as latency (<10 ms), throughput (Multi-Gbps) and connectivity. This enhancement brings new business opportunities for the network operators by providing customized services to the verticals through slicing. Slicing, multi-requirement tailored services with assurance of distinct Quality of Service (QoS), are deployed in the same physical infrastructure. An appropriate level of management and orchestration of these slices is essential for the realization of slicing.
The topic of service orchestration, on the other hand, is to address the problem in which multiple services need to be delivered in parallel, e.g. between legacy and new 5G networks. Processing services independently is one thing, but when multiple services have to interact, it can create conflicts. Ensuring the desired Quality of Service for each services is important when user is accessing multiple services.
This thesis looks into the various advancements in the field of 5G service orchestration and by considering the case of telephony slice from the manufacturing industry further explores various scenarios that can arise while realizing 5G service orchestration. The thesis identifies the potential challenges in this scenarios and concludes by proposing a policy framework for service orchestration.
Further, the thesis also outlines the possible implications of the findings on 5G service orchestration, both for academia and industry.