Toward Smart Public Interconnected Networks and Services - Approaching the Stumbling Blocks

The visions of 5G and Beyond (B5G) imply unprecedented expectations toward high-performing connectivity services in both public and private networks. Connectivity services that offer performance guarantees along multiple Quality of Service (QoS) dimensions are partially available today, but are confined to (virtual) private network services. However, open and equal access to public and Internet-scale Specialized Connectivity Services (SCS) delivered on-demand does not exist. This is especially true for interconnections across networks and support for mixed traffic modes that go beyond traditional best-effort. In this article, we argue that this is a huge industrial and societal problem that needs a solution. However, this problem is highly complex and multi-faceted, and there are many reasons why we are essentially locked into the status quo. We identify the stumbling blocks and propose a set of solution elements to take us across these hurdles, alongside related research topics. This includes an approach to “Multi-Level Best-Effort (MLBE)” and suggestions for evolving net neutrality regulation. Models and simulations show how a mixed traffic mode approach provides anticipated benefits, and we provide arguments why the context brought by B5G will put us into conditions for change, allowing public SCS eventually at a global scale.