An abstraction framework for flow mobility in multi-technology 5G environments using virtualization and SDN

The increasing number of mobile devices exploring wireless data through different technologies has been developing the potential for interoperability scenarios in mobile operators. However, each technology operates distinctively, creating a complex integration challenge. As such, 5G research has been exploring different concepts for bringing more dynamic and flexible network operation. Mechanisms such as Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and the integration of network procedures in the cloud allow operators to efficiently address new operational scenarios. In our proposal, we define a framework where mobility management procedures are abstractedly handled, by virtualizing network entities such as access points and mobile devices. These virtual representations enhance the capabilities of their physical counterparts, and couple the necessary logic allowing them to interoperate or be controlled by network control processes, independently of the access technologies. We have implemented a proof-of-concept where such principles are deployed in a multi-interface wireless environment, exploring both make-before-break and break-before-make mobility scenarios.