Enhancing Multi-Operator Network Handovers With Blockchain-Enabled SDN Architectures

The advancement towards 6G networks necessitates innovative solutions for efficient deployment and management of heterogeneous networks. Although the synergy of software-defined networks (SDN) and blockchain technology brings cost and spectrum efficiencies to future network deployments, their impact on network performance is yet to be investigated. This paper investigates the integration of SDN and blockchain technology to facilitate seamless roaming across multiple mobile network operators (MNOs). We develop analytical models based on queuing theory, specifically using M/M/1 models to characterize network performance and validate them through extensive NS-3 simulations. Evaluating three consensus mechanisms—Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), Raft, and Paxos—our findings demonstrate Raft’s superior performance, reducing end-to-end delays by 10.7% and 18.7% over PBFT and Paxos, respectively, with increasing packet arrival rate. Additionally, Raft decreases handover delays by 12.32% and 25.73% compared to PBFT and Paxos, with increased femtocell spacing. Our research also identifies cell residence time as a critical factor impacting handover delays, influenced by user equipment speed and femtocell spacing. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing network deployments and enabling dynamic mobility solutions in future multi-operator networks, paving the way for enhanced user experiences and verticals. The selection of consensus mechanisms and understanding of cell dynamics emerge as crucial considerations for network performance optimization in 6G and beyond.