SDN & NFV in 5G: Advancements and challenges

The next generation of mobile networks has risen the expectations and has induced a whole new approach in the networking future. This study summarizes solutions, that meet all the existing requirements integrating Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) in mobile networking. The main contribution of this research activity is that it is a tool for literature reference for scientists and engineers, because it presents and compares the most fundamental existing solutions and the future directions. In this paper, the main characteristics of SDN and NFV are summarized as fundamental alternatives contributing to succeed the goals set by 5G. The main demands and challenges faced by these solutions and the most beneficial applications of the combination of SDN with NFV are described. Finally, the main conclusions of this research and suggestions for possible future activity in the field are described.