| dc.description.abstract | The contemporary landscape of telecommunications is defined by the advent of Fifth Generation (5G) and the tantalizing promise of Beyond 5G (B5G) networks. 5G and B5G networks are the keys to fulfilling a massive number of heterogeneous services, applications, and use cases that have come into existence in recent years. Each use case imposes diverse performance requirements regarding latency, availability, reliability, and data rate. Within this landscape, Network Slicing in 5G emerges as a cornerstone technology, addressing the need for tailored and efficient allocation of infrastructure resources to such diverse use cases. However, defining, creating, establishing, managing, and monitoring the operation of network slices turn out to be challenging tasks. Other than this, managing the running network slices brings more challenges. One of these challenges is to operate network slices in an isolated fashion from each other to provide the demanded services via the network slices according to the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of each service. Besides, resource allocation mechanisms in different networking domains become more complex than traditional networks to simultaneously provide diverse use cases on physical infrastructure. The research contributions of this Ph.D. concentrate on three main parts.
First, this research endeavor provides a rational and practical roadmap for the realization of network slices, with a particular emphasis on small-scale frameworks and controlled testbed environments. The process of defining, creating, and establishing these slices accurate Management and Orchestration (MANO) procedures. By delving into the practical sophistication of this work, the study aims to deliver actionable insights to navigate the complexities of network slicing.
Second, the imperative of isolation is essential to address. The research focuses on the isolation concept in terms of performance and security within the Core Network (CN) domain for the coexistence of Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) use cases. In this context, the thesis proposes a practical approach that ensures preventing interference and preserving the integrity of data traversing. The approach involves the integration of state-of-the-art Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions with Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs)/Cloud-Native/Containerized Network Functions (CNFs) via the MANO entity in the network to establish isolated network slices formed by the VNFs/CNFs.
Third, the research follows up on the intersection of network slicing and the Radio Access Network (RAN) domain. The coexistence of eMBB and URLLC use cases within the RAN domain requires innovative solutions. Through a precise analysis of numerologies within the 5G-New Radio (5G-NR) architecture and the innovative integration of the puncturing technique, this research presents effective solutions that facilitate the harmonious coexistence of these use cases. By doing so, this thesis strengthens the potential of network slices to cater to an array of demanding requirements.
In summary, this thesis reflects the evolving landscape of network architecture. The thesis exploration of network slicing in the context of 5G and beyond represents the importance of adaptability and customization in the realm of telecommunications. Through practical insights and theoretical support, the study reveals the process of network slice creation, highlights the necessity of isolation, and unlocks the potential of network slices to seamlessly accommodate diverse use cases. As the telecommunications world continues to extend, this thesis illuminates a path toward resilient, efficient, and harmonious network infrastructure. | en_US |
