Network functions virtualization for flexible deployment of converged optical-wireless access infrastructure

Existing network infrastructure is very heterogeneous in terms of connectivity options, service types, and user demands. The emergence of new technologies such as 5G mobile networks and Internet of Things introduces the additional degrees of complexity and heterogeneity. It results in more diverse requirements to the separate parts of information and communications systems such as fixed and wireless access networks. In this paper, we propose a new virtualized convergent platform based on software defined network architecture. Proposed platform uses elastic optical network infrastructure with flexible configuration for switching, multiplexing, data Hows distribution and quality of service maintenance. All these parameters are defined by software and dynamically managed by the controller, providing advantaged in terms of the infrastructure utilization efficiency, flexibility, scalability and reliability, and quality of service.