Network Slice Selection Function for Data Plane Slicing in a Mobile Network

Network Function Virtualization (VNF) is one of the main drivers for the next generation of mobile networks. It allows the creation of multiple and diverse functionalities over a single physical infrastructure thus fulfilling the main requirements for 5G mobile networks that focus on serving heterogeneous ecosystems. The research presented in this literature focuses on a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) for the selection of Data Plane network slices, which are created and configured with specific QoS that cater to the need of network users. As the complexity of managing multiple Virtual Network Functions (VNF) grows with the number of Data Plane Network Slices, a system that abstracts the configuration of the mobile network is needed. This paper positions the NSSF as part of a three-layer Virtual Mobile Network System that contains an Application Layer for Policy creation, a Management Layer for Orchestration of VNFs and a Physical Layer for the deployment of network functions.