Next‐Generation Networks: Enhancing Flexibility, Performance, and Scalability

Summary

A network system that includes network nodes that employ proprietary means is difficult to manage. It is not readily reconfigured to accommodate new services and to rapidly adapt to support variations in traffic flows and service profiles. Methods and technologies that are being employed for enabling such regulation, adaptation, and support services that are provided by next‐generation network systems include techniques that make use of: Network Virtualization; Network Slicing; Cloud and Edge Computing; Open Network systems and interfaces; Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Network slicing in connection with the multitude of services that need to be supported by Next‐Generation Mobile Networks, and particularly in sustaining the service provision and networking flexibility and scalability of the 5G network. Each slice is allocated (physically or logically) its own resources and is controlled in accordance with its stated service profiles and performance requirements, and its ensuing message traffic activity.