A double-tier MEC-NFV architecture: Design and optimisation

The emerging requirements for 5th generation (5G) mobile networks lead to a complete network paradigm refurbishment by leveraging on Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC). While NFV adds flexibility by allowing network functions to be dynamically deployed and inter-connected, MEC brings intelligence at the edge of the mobile network, reduces latency and enhances the offered capacity. This paper analyses the compound effect of simultaneously considering virtual network functions and MEC applications deployed on the same network infrastructure. The proposed architecture aligns and integrates the MEC system with the NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) by introducing a management subsystem that enriches the MANO with application-oriented orchestration capabilities. This opens new opportunities on jointly managing applications and virtual network functions by allowing MANO-related operations to be triggered by virtual applications runtime processes or MEC services.